1858 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coin

The 1858 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coins were struck at two mint facilities; Philadelphia and Charlotte (C) mints. By far, a greater number of pieces that year were struck at the Philadelphia mint. 1858 is one of the rarest Philadelphia mint Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coins and is extremely difficult to obtain in top condition, though both are very scarce and are highly collectible today.

The Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coin was designed by Christian Gobrecht, who also served as the U.S. Mint’s chief engraver. Gobrecht is well noted as the designer of Seated Liberty coinage, which ran from the late 1830s through 1891. 1858 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coins contain a total of 0.1202 ounces of gold and weigh 4.18 grams and measure 18 millimeters in diameter, meaning they are roughly the size as a standard U.S. dime.

Grading the 1858 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coin

The process for grading coins is a complex one. While there is a long process involved, a coin’s grade is finally determined by expert coin graders. These numismatists will thoroughly examine each coin in order to determine the coin’s condition. Needless to say, the less wear and tear that is present on a coin, the more valuable the coin may be. The examination includes inspection of the coin’s details such as imagery and text, as well as an assessment of the overall condition. You can actually examine your coins yourself as well, and can get a general idea of how a coin may be graded based on its appearance, condition, mint year and relative scarcity.

Use the specifications below to determine how your 1858 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coin might be graded.

Uncirculated: A 1858 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coin in uncirculated condition will show no physical signs of wear and tear. These coins, despite their advanced age, will look as if they have just been rolled out of the mint’s presses. They will look and feel brand new. While the coin’s color and overall tone may show some signs of age, the images and text on the coin will display no wear or damage. You can easily use a magnifying glass yourself to closely inspect the coin’s faces. Using a magnifying glass will allow you to see if all coin details remain robust, or if they have been slightly worn.

Extremely Fine: The next step down on the grading scale is extremely fine. An extremely fine Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coin will have minor wear on the details or edges. Some of the coin’s details, may appear worn or feel smooth. Despite this, the coin is still considered to be in excellent condition and has retained its appearance over the years.

Fine: A coin in fine condition has retained its detail, although the details may be worn from exchanging hands and the usual wear and tear. The coin’s finish may be duller, and the coin displays obvious signs of handling.

Good: A coin considered to be in good condition has significant physical signs of wear and tear. This may make it difficult to identify the coin, and a magnifying glass may be needed to do so. While these coins are not in the best condition, they may still be very valuable. Relative scarcity, certain mint years and other factors may make these coins difficult to acquire.

Pricing the 1855 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coin

When it comes to assigning a price to the 1858 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coin, there are a few things you must look at. First, because there were multiple types of gold coins minted every year, the exact type of coin you have (and its scarcity) will be the first factor playing into the price. Secondly, the condition of the coin means everything, and those well-preserved pieces are often the priciest ones. Below is a chart that will help you better understand what you might be asked to pay for a 1858 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coin given its type and condition.

Liberty Head $2.5 Gold Coin

DATE	GOOD	FINE	EXTREMELY FINE	UNCIRCULATED
1858 Liberty Head $2.5 Gold Coin	N/A	N/A	$390	$450
1858 Liberty Head $2.5 Gold Coin (C)	N/A	N/A	$2,250	$3,000
Source: Red Book