Overview of the 1884 $2.50 Liberty Head Gold Quarter Eagle – NGC AU Details

The 1884 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Quarter Eagle is one of the most elusive coins in the long-running Liberty Head Quarter Eagle series (1840–1907). With an incredibly small original mintage of just 1,950 coins, this issue has long held its place as a key rarity—coveted by type collectors and series completists alike.

This example, certified AU Details by NGC, showcases the coin’s enduring beauty with bold strike definition and subtle traces of original mint luster. While surface cleaning or other minor issues may have led to the “Details” designation, the coin retains impressive eye appeal and excellent historic value.

Historical Significance

The early 1880s were marked by extremely low demand for small denomination gold coins in the United States. As a result, the U.S. Mint significantly reduced output of denominations like the Quarter Eagle, especially in Philadelphia.

The 1884 Quarter Eagle is a direct product of that period. With only 1,950 pieces struck, it ranks among the lowest-mintage business strikes of the entire Liberty Head series.

Most of the few that were struck saw circulation or were melted down in later years. Very few survive in collectible condition today—especially in higher circulated grades such as AU.

Design Features

• Obverse:

  • Liberty Head facing left wearing coronet inscribed “LIBERTY”

  • Surrounded by 13 stars representing the original colonies

  • Date below: 1884

• Reverse:

  • Heraldic eagle with outspread wings, olive branch in one claw, arrows in the other

  • Shield on eagle’s breast

  • Denomination displayed as “2½ D.”

  • Legend: “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”

  • No mintmark, indicating Philadelphia Mint

Coin Specifications

• Mint: Philadelphia

• Mintage: 1,950 coins

• Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper

• Gold Content: 0.1209 troy oz

• Diameter: 18 mm

• Weight: 4.18 grams

• Edge: Reeded

About the Grade – NGC AU Details

Coins receiving the AU Details designation exhibit the wear level and sharpness of an About Uncirculated coin, but have a noted issue such as:

• Light cleaning

• Small surface marks

• Hairlines or past environmental exposure

Despite this, the coin:

• Retains strong definition in both obverse and reverse devices

• Shows minimal wear across Liberty’s hair and the eagle’s feathers

• Displays solid visual character for such a rare coin

Because the mintage is so small, even Details-graded coins are in high demand, as fully problem-free certified examples are virtually never seen on the market.

Why the 1884 Quarter Eagle Is a Key Date

• Extremely Low Mintage: Only 1,950 coins produced

• Rare in Any Grade: The vast majority were lost or melted

• Few Certified Examples: PCGS and NGC populations remain extremely low

• No Mint State Coins Known: Most survivors are in VF–AU range

• Seldom Offered: Rarely appears in auctions or dealer inventories

Who Should Consider This Coin?

This coin is ideal for:

• Liberty Head Quarter Eagle collectors

• Low-mintage U.S. gold specialists

• Rarity-focused investors (entertainment purposes only)

• Collectors building a date set of U.S. gold coins

• Enthusiasts of 19th-century Philadelphia Mint coinage

Presentation and Preservation

• Secure in NGC encapsulation to guarantee authenticity

• Store in a climate-controlled, dry environment

• Ideal for inclusion in a certified gold type set or custom display box

Conclusion

The 1884 $2.50 Liberty Quarter Eagle, certified AU Details by NGC, represents an important and rare opportunity to acquire a true low-mintage key date from the golden age of U.S. coinage. With only 1,950 coins ever struck, this issue is highly respected among advanced collectors and specialists in U.S. gold.

Even with a Details grade, this coin delivers immense value, history, and beauty. It is not just a piece of gold—it is a survivor of American monetary history, crafted at the U.S. Mint over 140 years ago.

Whether you're building a complete gold type set or targeting numismatic rarities, this 1884 Quarter Eagle deserves a place in your collection.

All information is presented for educational and entertainment purposes only. For investment or financial advice, consult a licensed professional.