1846 $2.50 Liberty Head Gold Quarter Eagle – Key Date, NGC AU Details, Very Rare Pre-Civil War Issue

Overview of the 1846 $2.50 Liberty Head Quarter Eagle – Key Date Gold Coin

The 1846 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Quarter Eagle, graded AU Details by NGC, stands out as one of the most important key dates in the entire Liberty Head Quarter Eagle series (1840–1907). With a minuscule mintage of just 12,000 coins, it is scarce in all grades and virtually unobtainable in higher uncirculated conditions.

As a pre-Civil War U.S. gold issue struck during the James K. Polk administration, this coin offers historical, numismatic, and aesthetic significance. Whether you collect U.S. gold by type, date, or rarity, the 1846 Quarter Eagle is a prime candidate for inclusion in an advanced collection.

Historical Context

In 1846, America was expanding westward during the height of Manifest Destiny. Gold coins like the Quarter Eagle were essential in commercial transactions—especially before the widespread issuance of paper currency.

The Liberty Head design, introduced in 1840, became the standard for decades. Coins from the 1840s were produced in far lower quantities than their post-1850 counterparts, making survivors from the mid-1840s especially rare.

Design Details

• Designer: Christian Gobrecht

• Obverse:

  • Classic Liberty Head facing left, encircled by 13 stars representing the original colonies

  • Date below: 1846

• Reverse:

  • Heraldic eagle with shield, clutching arrows and olive branch

  • Denomination displayed as: “2 ½ D.”

  • “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” legend around the edge

Specifications

• Mint: Philadelphia (no mintmark)

• Mintage: 12,000

• Metal: 90% gold, 10% copper

• Weight: 4.18 grams

• Diameter: 18 mm

• Edge: Reeded

• Gold Content: 0.1209 troy oz

Grading Notes – NGC AU Details

The coin has been assigned AU Details, meaning it shows About Uncirculated sharpness but with a noted issue—typically light cleaning, old polishing, or surface hairlines.

Still, it retains:

• Excellent overall strike

• Nearly full detail on Liberty’s hair and the eagle’s feathers

• Attractive golden color and residual luster

Given the rarity of this date, even “details” coins are in strong collector demand, especially those with appealing eye presentation.

Why Is the 1846 Quarter Eagle a Key Date?

1. Ultra-Low Mintage:

   • Only 12,000 struck

   • Many lost to melting or circulation

2. Historic Era:

   • Issued during America’s westward expansion and just before the California Gold Rush

3. Tough in Any Grade:

   • Scarce even in VF/XF

   • AU and Mint State coins bring strong premiums

4. Underrated Among Liberty Gold Issues:

   • Often overlooked by newer collectors, but cherished by specialists

5. Rare Opportunity:

   • Fewer than a few hundred surviving examples in all grades combined

Collector Appeal

This coin is ideal for:

• Collectors building a date set of Quarter Eagles

• Investors focused on rarity and historical value

• Enthusiasts of pre-Civil War coinage

• U.S. Gold Type Set collectors seeking key low-mintage issues

Even with surface issues, coins like this rarely appear in public sales, making them a true opportunity for acquisition when available.

Storage & Presentation

• Best preserved in its NGC holder to ensure authenticity and protection

• Avoid additional handling to preserve surfaces

• Store in a dry, temperature-controlled environment

• Consider a custom display box for early U.S. gold to showcase rarity and elegance

Conclusion

The 1846 $2.50 Liberty Gold Quarter Eagle is a key date in U.S. gold coinage. Its limited mintage, strong design, and connection to a pivotal time in American history make it a must-have for serious collectors. Even with an AU Details designation, this coin is far more than a placeholder—it is a true rarity with lasting numismatic value.

If you’re building a gold type set, collecting Quarter Eagles by date, or simply seeking coins with real historical importance, the 1846 Liberty Head Quarter Eagle should be on your radar.

Information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes only. For specific financial advice, consult your licensed financial adviser.