Rare Gold Coins

Quarter Eagles ($2.50 Gold Pieces) 1796-1929

Authorized by the Act of April 2, 21972, they weighed 67.5 grains, 916 2/3 fine until the weight was changed to 64.5 grams, fineness 899.225, by the Act of June 28, 1834. The Act of January 18, 1837 established fineness at .900. Most dates before 1834 are rare. The first issue was struck in 1796, most of which had no stars on the obverse.

Designer: Robert Scot
Weight: 4.37 grams
Composition: .9167 gold, .0833 silver and copper, approx.
Diameter: 20mm
Reeded edge

1. CAPPED BUST TO LEFT, Large size 1808

Designer: John Reich. Standards same as previous issue.

2. CAPPED HEAD TO LEFT 1821-1834

Those dated 1829 through 1834 are smaller in diameter than the 1821-1827 pieces. They also have smaller letters, dates and stars.

Standards same as previous issue. Diameter changed to approximately 18.5mm.

3. CLASSIC HEAD TYPE, No Motto on Reverse 1834-1839

In 1834 the quarter eagle was redesigned. A ribbon binding the hair, bearing the word LIBERTY, replaces Liberty cap. The motto was omitted from the reverse. In 1840 a coronet and smaller head were designed to conform in appearance of that of the larger gold coins.

Designer: William Kneass
Weight: 4.18 grams
Composition: .8992 gold, .1008 silver and copper changed to .900 gold in 1837
Diameter: 18.2 mm
Reeded edge
Mints: Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dahlonega, and New Orleans

4. CORONET TYPE 1840-1907

Designer: Christian Gobrecht
Weight: 4.18 grams
Composition: .900 gold, 100 copper
Diameter: 18mm
Reeded edge
Net weight: .12094 oz. pure gold

5. CALIFRONIA GOLD QUARTER EAGLE

In about 1848 two hundred and thirty ounces of gold were sent to Secretary of War Marcy by Col. B. Mason, Military Governor of California. The gold was turned over to the mint and made into quarter eagles. The distinguishing mark “CAL” was punched above the eagle on the reverse side, while the coins were in the die. Two specimens with proof surface are known.

CAL above Eagle on the Reverse.

6. INDIAN HEAD TYPE 1908-1929

The new type represents a departure from all proceeding types in the United States series. Bela Lyon Pratt was the designer of this and the similar half eagle piece. The coin has no raised edge and the main devices and legends are incuse.

Designer: Bela Lyon Pratt
Weight: 4.18 grams
Composition; .9800 gold, .100 copper
Diameter: 18mm
Reeded edge
Mints: Philadelphia and Denver
Net weight; .12094 oz. pure gold