1867-S Liberty Head Quarter Eagle – NGC XF Key Date Gold Coin

The 1867-S $2.50 Liberty Gold Quarter Eagle is one of the standout rarities in the entire Liberty Head Quarter Eagle series (1840–1907). Graded XF by NGC, this coin represents a key date that is both historically significant and increasingly scarce. Minted in the San Francisco Mint, this issue saw heavy use during the post-Civil War Reconstruction period and is seldom encountered in grades above Fine.

Historical Background

Following the Civil War, the U.S. economy was undergoing dramatic transition. The San Francisco Mint, established in 1854, continued its role as the primary producer of gold coinage for the booming West Coast economy.

In 1867, the demand for small denomination gold like the $2.50 Quarter Eagle was relatively low, resulting in a low mintage of just 12,000 coins. These were struck almost exclusively for circulation, and very few were preserved by collectors or stored in bank vaults.

As a result, the 1867-S is extremely rare in any condition, and even more so in collectible grades such as XF or higher.

Design Features

• Designer: Christian Gobrecht

• Obverse:

  • Left-facing Liberty Head surrounded by 13 stars

  • Date 1867 below bust

• Reverse:

  • Heraldic eagle clutching arrows and olive branch

  • Denomination marked as “2 ½ D.”

  • Legend: “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”

  • S mintmark below eagle for San Francisco

Specifications

• Mint: San Francisco

• Mintage: 12,000

• Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper

• Weight: 4.18 grams

• Diameter: 18 mm

• Gold Content: 0.1209 troy oz

• Edge: Reeded

Grading Notes – NGC XF

This example has been certified XF (Extremely Fine) by NGC, reflecting:

• Sharp devices and legends

• Modest, even wear across high points

• Attractive remaining luster in protected areas

• All major details visible, especially Liberty’s hair and the eagle’s feathers

Given the coin’s rarity and age, XF examples offer an excellent balance between affordability and collector-grade preservation.

Why the 1867-S is a Key Date

1. Very Low Mintage:

   • Only 12,000 coins struck

   • One of the lowest mintages in the series

2. Low Survival Rate:

   • Circulated heavily in the Western U.S.

   • Few were saved; most were worn or melted

3. Seldom Offered in XF or Better:

   • Demand exceeds supply for any problem-free example

4. West Coast Numismatic History:

   • Part of the San Francisco Mint’s early gold production

Collector Appeal

This coin is ideal for:

• Liberty Head Quarter Eagle collectors

• Key date U.S. gold specialists

• San Francisco Mint enthusiasts

• 19th-century coin collectors focused on West Coast issues

• Collectors looking for tough, underappreciated dates with solid long-term desirability

Storage and Preservation

• Keep the coin in its NGC holder to protect its authenticity and surfaces

• Store in a dry, stable environment away from sunlight or high humidity

• Avoid direct handling to preserve the XF surfaces

Conclusion

The 1867-S Liberty Head Quarter Eagle, graded XF by NGC, is an underrated key date gold coin that blends rarity, historical weight, and 19th-century American heritage. With only 12,000 struck and far fewer surviving today, this coin is a true prize for collectors of Liberty gold or anyone building a complete Quarter Eagle set.

Its San Francisco origin and post-Civil War context only add to its desirability and long-term relevance. If you're seeking a rare U.S. gold coin with both numismatic depth and market scarcity, the 1867-S is a perfect fit.