1846 $2.50 Liberty Gold Quarter Eagle – Key Date U.S. Gold Coin, NGC AU Details
The 1846 $2.50 Liberty Gold Quarter Eagle is one of the most coveted early U.S. gold coins from the Liberty Head series. As a key date with very limited surviving examples, this coin is highly sought after by collectors focused on 19th-century American gold. Certified by NGC as AU Details, this piece offers bold detail and impressive eye appeal—despite minor surface imperfections—making it a standout addition to any advanced numismatic collection.
You can view the 1846 $2.50 Liberty Gold Quarter Eagle – AU Details NGC here.
🦅 The Liberty Head Quarter Eagle Series
The Liberty Head design, also known as the Coronet Head, was introduced in 1840 and remained in production until 1907. The $2.50 denomination—commonly called a Quarter Eagle—was among the smallest gold coins struck by the U.S. Mint, both in size and face value.
The 1846 issue is one of the most difficult dates to obtain in this long-running series. While many later issues saw higher mintages and broader circulation, the 1846 Quarter Eagle had relatively low production and an even lower survival rate. Fewer still are certified in About Uncirculated (AU) Details or better, especially with original surfaces and strong strikes.
📌 Coin Specifications
- Country: United States
- Year: 1846
- Denomination: $2.50 (Quarter Eagle)
- Design: Liberty Head (Coronet Type)
- Metal: 90% Gold
- Weight: 4.18 grams
- Diameter: 18 mm
- Obverse: Liberty facing left, 13 stars encircling
- Reverse: Heraldic eagle with shield, denomination below
- Mint: Philadelphia
- Grading: NGC AU Details
💎 Why the 1846 $2.50 Liberty Gold Quarter Eagle Is a Key Date
Not all Liberty Head gold coins are created equal. The 1846 $2.50 Liberty Gold Quarter Eagle is considered a key date because of its scarcity across all grades. While exact mintage figures suggest tens of thousands were struck, few were saved in collectible condition.
This specific example, graded AU Details by NGC, retains much of its original design sharpness and character. Coins from this period often suffered from circulation wear, harsh cleaning, or improper storage. Finding a specimen with strong eye appeal and minimal distraction is extremely challenging.
Even with surface issues that prevent a straight AU grade, this coin stands far above most surviving examples from the same year.
📈 Market Appeal and Rarity
Because of its key date status, this coin appeals to a wide range of collectors:
- U.S. gold type collectors
- Liberty Head series specialists
- Pre-Civil War coinage enthusiasts
- Key date investors
- Gold coin collectors focused on rarity
Certified Quarter Eagles from the 1840s are rarely offered in any grade, and AU-level coins—even with detail notes—are highly desirable.
This coin is not just collectible—it is a very rare, expensive, and historically important asset.
🌍 Historical Context
In 1846, the United States was undergoing rapid expansion. The Mexican-American War was underway, westward migration was increasing, and gold was gaining value as both a monetary standard and a symbol of wealth. The Liberty Head design reflected America’s growing confidence—bold, consistent, and enduring.
Gold Quarter Eagles were commonly used in everyday commerce, making uncirculated survivors even rarer. The 1846 issue came from the Philadelphia Mint, which struck far fewer small-denomination gold coins than larger mints in later years.
🔚 Final Thoughts
The 1846 $2.50 Liberty Gold Quarter Eagle is a key to completing the Liberty Head gold set. Its rarity, early date, and strong design make it one of the most desirable coins in U.S. numismatics. Whether you collect by date, type, or investment quality, this coin represents both opportunity and legacy.
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