1868 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coin

The 1868 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coins were minted in the Philadelphia and San Francisco mints.
Between the two facilities, issues look substantial enough to provide coin collectors with a ready supply of coinage. However, far fewer of both issues exist today than what is reflected in the production numbers. As is the case with most pre-1933 U.S. gold coins, the coins have been melted for their precious metal content.

Designed by Christian Gobrecht the 1868 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coins were made of 90 percent gold and 10 percent copper. They also weigh 4.18 grams and measure 18 millimeters in diameter, meaning they are about the same size as a modern U.S. dime. They contain a total of 0.1202 ounces of gold.

Grading the 1868 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coin

For a coin well over 100 years old, the focus must be on the overall condition of the coin. While coins in lower conditions may still have some collectible value, coin collectors generally only want coins that are in perfect condition. Finding coins in this condition can be extremely difficult, however, given the amount of time that these coins have been minted.

When you are trying to judge a coin’s condition, you are actually trying to get an idea of how that coin might be graded. Although the coin grading process is performed by professional grading companies, you can use the simple guidelines below to get a feel for what a graded Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coin might look like.

Uncirculated: Coin collectors will typically look to acquire coins that have not been used in circulation. Because these coins have not been used in circulation, they will not have the normal signs of damage and wear that circulated coins exhibit. Just looking at coins in this condition will make you think they were struck that day and are hot off the mint’s presses.

Extremely Fine: While coins in extremely fine condition may have very minor defects, these coins may still be actively sought after by coin collectors. To be given this grade, any damage must be very minor in nature, so minor that it is usually only noticed under a very close physical examination of the coin.

Fine: Coins in fine condition have been in circulation for some time, and the numerous exchanges are obvious. While the coin’s images and text remain intact, they may have serious scratches or discoloration.

Good: Most of the Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coins on the market today are in good condition. Due to the fact that they have been widely used and circulated, often for many years, these coins may have significant scratches, discoloration or other blemishes. A collector may choose to pass on coins in good condition for coins in extremely fine or uncirculated condition.

Pricing the 1868 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coin

If you want to get an idea of what your coin might be worth on the open market, the first step is to accurately determine the type of nickel you have. For example, there were two distinct editions of the Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coin produced in 1868. The second issue to consider is the coin’s physical condition. Coins that are in superior condition may have significantly higher value than similar coins in poor or even good condition. The chart below will give you a good idea of what these coins may trade for today based on their type and physical condition.

Liberty Head $2.5 Gold Coin

DATE	GOOD	FINE	EXTREMELY FINE	UNCIRCULATED
1868 Liberty Head $2.5 Gold Coin	N/A	N/A	$425	$700
1868 Liberty Head $2.5 Gold Coin (S)	N/A	N/A	$425	$950
Source: Red Book