1892 Liberty Head $2.50 Quarter Eagle Gold Coin – NGC AU Details

The 1892 $2.50 Liberty Head Gold Quarter Eagle, certified AU Details by NGC, is an important representative of 19th-century U.S. coinage and a classic piece of Liberty gold series history. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, this coin combines attractive design, precious metal content, and historic appeal, particularly for collectors of U.S. pre-1900 gold.

Historical Background

The Liberty Head design, created by Christian Gobrecht, was introduced in 1840 and continued until 1907. The Quarter Eagle series represents one of the longest-running gold denominations in U.S. history.

The 1892 issue marks the final decade of the Liberty Head Quarter Eagle's run before it was eventually replaced by the iconic Indian Head design in 1908. During this period, gold coins were widely circulated and not yet hoarded or collected systematically, which contributes to their relative scarcity in higher grades today.

Though the mintage appears high by early gold standards at 2.44 million, few examples remain in choice AU or better condition, and even fewer have been preserved with strong eye appeal.

Design Features

• Obverse:

  • Left-facing Liberty Head adorned with coronet inscribed “LIBERTY”

  • Surrounded by 13 stars representing the original U.S. colonies

  • Date 1892 below

• Reverse:

  • Heraldic eagle with shield, arrows in one talon, olive branch in the other

  • Denomination displayed as “2½ D.”

  • No mintmark, indicating Philadelphia Mint origin

  • “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” inscribed around

Specifications

• Mintage: 2,440,000

• Metal Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper

• Actual Gold Weight (AGW): 0.1209 troy oz

• Diameter: 18 mm

• Weight: 4.18 grams

• Edge: Reeded

• Designer: Christian Gobrecht

About the Grade – NGC AU Details

The “AU Details” label indicates that the coin has the sharpness and wear level of an About Uncirculated specimen, but was marked down due to a non-gradeable issue—often light cleaning, a small scratch, or surface abrasions.

That said, these coins often still retain:

• Strong hairline detail in Liberty’s portrait

• Bold eagle definition

• Natural remaining luster

• Full rims and readable legends

This grade offers affordability with eye appeal, making it ideal for collectors who want the visual beauty of an AU coin without the Mint State price tag.

Collectibility & Demand

The 1892 Quarter Eagle is popular for several reasons:

• It's a late-date Liberty Head issue

• Represents pre-20th-century U.S. coinage

• Offers affordable entry point into collecting U.S. gold

• Pairs well with other denominations from the 1890s

• Scarce in high grades due to circulation and melting

While not as rare as the lowest-mintage dates in the series, its position near the end of the Liberty design’s run enhances its desirability among type collectors.

Ideal For:

• Liberty Head Gold Collectors

• U.S. Gold Type Sets

• Late 19th-Century American Coinage Enthusiasts

• Collectors Seeking AU Visual Appeal Without MS Price

Preservation & Storage Tips

• Keep in its NGC holder to protect and certify authenticity

• Avoid touching the surface—store in a cool, dry environment

• Consider including it in a certified gold type set presentation case

Conclusion

The 1892 Liberty Head Quarter Eagle, certified NGC AU Details, offers numismatists a chance to own a historic piece of America’s gold legacy. With strong detail, attractive surfaces, and certified authenticity, this coin is a valuable and eye-catching addition to any U.S. gold coin collection.

Whether you're building a type set, focusing on 19th-century coinage, or simply want a beautiful gold coin at a more accessible price point, the 1892 Quarter Eagle is an excellent option.

All content provided is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Please seek professional guidance for financial decision-making.