1857 $2.50 Liberty Gold Quarter Eagle MS-64 PCGS

---

In 1857, the Philadelphia mint produced a gold quarter eagle that stands as a classic representative of mid nineteenth century American coinage. Struck without a mint mark, this coin contains 0.1209 ounces of gold with a purity of 0.900. Its creation represents a period of steady gold coinage in the United States, showcasing the artistry of the era through a design that remained a staple of American commerce for decades. The obverse features a left-facing portrait of Liberty, her hair styled in a neat bun secured by a pearl cord, with a coronet inscribed with her name. Thirteen stars encircle her, symbolizing the original colonies that formed the nation, with the year 1857 positioned directly below the bust. This side of the coin presents a balanced, classical aesthetic that was highly favored during the period. On the reverse, a detailed eagle is depicted clutching an olive branch and arrows in its talons, representing a dual message of peace and readiness. The inscription reads "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" around the upper border, while the denomination "2 1/2 D." is positioned at the bottom. This coin has been graded in Mint State 64 (MS-64) condition, preserving the intricate details of Christian Gobrecht's celebrated design.