The Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coins were designed by engraver Christian Gobrecht, who served as the U.S. Mint’s chief engraver from 1840 through 1844. The 1893 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coins are widely enjoyed by numismatists and bullion collectors. The United States Mint struck 30,000 of these coins, which is a hefty quantity as compared to the smaller output during the 1880s and 1890s. Yet, far fewer than 30,000 1893-dated $2.50 gold coins exist today, as most have been melted.
While it is impossible to say exactly how many remain today, what is known is that only a fraction still survive. So they are very scarce in terms of the marketplace and are relatively difficult to find. Of course, this is the situation with most pre-1933 U.S. coins, which were melted in major numbers throughout the 20th century, particularly after the country abandoned the gold standard.
When it comes to collectors purchasing coins as old as the 1893 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coin, the first thing that is always looked at is the coin’s condition. Overall, collectors will closely examine the coins looking for any major blemishes, but will be paying close attention to minor imperfections as well.
Normally, having a coin’s condition judged is something reserved for grading companies, of which many exist. Knowing that not everyone has the time and money to send their coins away for grading, we have listed below some of the characteristics that are tied to Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coins of specific grades.
Uncirculated: In Uncirculated condition, Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coins are in the best possible shape, especially for how old they are. These coins were taken directly from the production line and kept in safekeeping as to avoid any damage. As you might have guessed, these coins and their perfect condition are exactly what most every collector is looking for.
Extremely Fine: A coin graded to be Extremely Fine is one that only saw a limited amount of time in circulation. These coins will show some signs of their being exchanged over the years, but these blemishes will be few and far between and only visible under very close inspection. All in all, these coins are close to being in pristine condition.
Fine: To receive this grade, the coin in question will have definitely spent some time in circulation, but not a very large amount of time. Showing a good amount of damage, the poor condition of these coins as a result of circulation is apparent almost immediately. The most common type of imperfection found on these coins is the smoothing of the images and inscriptions.
Good: Good is the grade given to Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coins that are in absolutely horrid condition. Thanks to decade upon decade of circulation, these coins have suffered a lot of damage and may even be bent and heavily chipped. Though collectors do look for these coins, they are not the most sought after of the 1893 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coins.
When it comes to determining the price of an 1893 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coin, you really do not need to look much further than the condition of the coin. Because these pieces are so old, even the most marginal differences in condition can mean for major differences in price. Below exists a chart that is aimed at giving you a better idea of what you might be asked to pay for a graded 1893 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coin.
Liberty Head $2.5 Gold Coin
DATE | GOOD | FINE | EXTREMELY FINE | UNCIRCULATED |
---|---|---|---|---|
1893 Liberty Head $2.5 Gold Coin | N/A | N/A | $365 | $375 |
Source: Red Book |