Coin

2½ Dollars "Coronet Head - Quarter Eagle" (1890) — United States

United States • 1890 • KM# 72, PCGS# 1817, 7717-7732, etc.

2½ Dollars "Coronet Head - Quarter Eagle" (1890) — United States

Overview

A Proof strike gold 2½ Dollars coin of the United States, representing the Coronet Head - Quarter Eagle design. The obverse features a coronet head left with the date below and 13 stars around the rim representing the original 13 colonies, while the reverse depicts an eagle with arrows and an olive branch in its talons. Composed of Gold (.900) (.100 copper) with a reeded edge. Minted in 1890 at the United States Mint of Philadelphia with a limited mintage of 93 pieces and exhibiting mirror-like fields characteristic of Proof coinage.

Specifications

Country
United States
Year
1890
Composition
Gold (.900) (.100 copper)
Weight
4.18 g
Diameter
18 mm
Mint
United States Mint of Philadelphia
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 Philadelphia. Confirm the mintmark on your example before comparing prices — same-year issues from different mints often trade at very different levels.
  • Low mintage: Only 93 pieces reported. This puts the issue into key-date territory for its series; expect steep grade-based price scaling and a higher counterfeit risk — provenance and third-party grading matter.
  • 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.

Curator Insights

Historical context

During 1890, the United States monetary system was heavily influenced by the Sherman Silver Purchase Act, which significantly impacted the flow of precious metals through the federal mints. The Coronet Head Quarter Eagle was produced during a period of relative economic stability following the Gilded Age's industrial growth. This specific proof issue reflects the Philadelphia Mint's ongoing effort to produce high-quality coins for collectors during the transition toward a more modern national economy.

Design heritage

Designed by Christian Gobrecht, the obverse features a left-facing bust of Lady Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed with Liberty, surrounded by thirteen stars. The reverse depicts a heraldic eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch, symbolizing the nation's readiness for defense and its desire for peace. Gobrecht's neoclassical aesthetic defined American gold coinage for much of the 19th century, drawing inspiration from contemporary European engraving styles.

Varieties and technical notes

This strictly limited proof issue was struck at the Philadelphia Mint using specially polished dies and planchets to achieve a deep mirror finish. Collectors should inspect the sharpness of the denticles and the reeded edge for the crisp definitions characteristic of the period's proof manufacturing. While most 1890 proofs follow a standard strike profile, minor variations in die polishing levels may affect the depth of the cameo contrast between the fields and devices.

Survival and modern availability

With a verified mintage of only 93 specimens, the 1890 proof Quarter Eagle remains a significant rarity in the numismatic market. While the gold composition protected many 19th-century issues from complete loss, the low initial production makes any surviving examples highly sought after by type collectors. High-grade survivors are exceptionally rare due to the delicate nature of the mirrored surfaces and historical bullion melts that occurred before the coins reached modern grading standards.

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