Numismatic

1873 $2.50 Liberty Gold Quarter Eagle Open 3 AU

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Struck in 1873, this gold coin represents a classic design era in United States coinage. Minted at the Philadelphia facility, the piece contains 0.1209 troy ounces of gold within its 90 percent pure composition. This specific issue is notable for its 'Open 3' date variety, which collectors study closely alongside other nineteenth-century mint variations. The obverse displays a left-facing portrait of Liberty, her hair bound by a band inscribed with the word 'LIBERTY'. A ring of thirteen stars encircles her, representing the original colonies. On the reverse, a heraldic eagle guards a shield on its chest, clutching symbols of national strength. The inscriptions 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and the '2 1/2 D.' denomination frame this central motif. This enduring design was created by Christian Gobrecht and maintained a remarkably long production run from 1840 to 1907. Surviving in Almost Uncirculated condition, this coin offers a tangible look at the craftsmanship of the Reconstruction-era U.S. Mint.