Coin

2½ Dollars "Coronet Head - Quarter Eagle" (1852) — United States

United States • 1852 • KM# 72, PCGS# 1817, 7717-7732, etc.

2½ Dollars "Coronet Head - Quarter Eagle" (1852) — United States

Overview

A gold 2½ Dollars Quarter Eagle of the United States from 1852, struck at the New Orleans Mint (O mintmark). Designed by Christian Gobrecht, the obverse shows Liberty adorned with a coronet, while the reverse depicts a heraldic eagle. Minted in a run of 140,000 pieces.

Specifications

Country
United States
Year
1852
Composition
Gold (.900) (.100 copper)
Weight
4.18 g
Diameter
18 mm
Mint
United States Mint of New Orleans
Mintmark
O
Shape
Round
Technique
Milled
References
KM# 72, PCGS# 1817, 7717-7732, etc.
Issuer
United States

Design details

Obverse

A coronet head left with the date below and 13 stars around the rim representing the original 13 colonies Script: Latin Lettering: LIBERTY 1907 Engraver: Christian Gobrecht

Reverse

Eagle with arrows and olive branch in talons Script: Latin Lettering: ·UNITED STATES OF AMERICA· 2½ D. Engraver: Christian Gobrecht

Collector insights

  • Design heritage: Christian Gobrecht is credited as the designer for the Standard circulation coins series. Designer attribution helps distinguish this issue from later restrikes or unofficial copies that reuse only the motif.
  • Struck at: United States Mint of New Orleans (mintmark O). Confirm the mintmark on your example before comparing prices — same-year issues from different mints often trade at very different levels.
  • Mintage vs. survival: A moderate mintage of 140,000. Grade rarity is usually the driver of value here — mid-grade circulated pieces are common, but original-surface uncirculated coins can command a strong premium.
  • Gold issue: Gold (.900) (.100 copper) — bullion demand competes with numismatic demand. Weight and fineness (not just face value) drive the melt-value floor.
  • Catalogue reference: Listed as KM# 72, PCGS# 1817, 7717-7732, etc.. Use this reference code when cross-checking auction archives, dealer inventories, and standard printed catalogues.

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