1868-S $2.5 Liberty Quarter Eagle MS-61 NGC

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In 1868, the San Francisco Mint struck a limited run of just 34,000 gold quarter eagles. These small coins, containing 0.1209 ounces of gold, were intended for active circulation in a booming Western economy that favored hard metal over paper currency. Because these coins worked hard in daily commerce, finding one today that has survived in Mint State 61 condition offers a rare glimpse into the era's craftsmanship. The obverse features the classic Liberty Head design, facing left and encircled by stars, with the date 1868 positioned below the bust. On the reverse, an eagle holds an olive branch and arrows, surrounded by the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the denomination expressed as 2 1/2 D. The tiny S mint mark, located just beneath the eagle, identifies this coin's origin at the historic California minting facility.