1880 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coin

The 1880 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coin was only minted in the Philadelphia facility, striking just 2,960 pieces that year. As is the case with all pre-1933 U.S. gold coins, only a small fraction of those coins exist today. The 1880 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coin is very attractive to those interested in numismatics as well as to those seeking to invest in gold.

The 1880 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coins were designed by Christian Gobrecht, who at one point served as the U.S. Mint’s chief engraver. 1880 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coins are made from a standard “coin gold” composition of 90 percent gold and 10 percent copper. They also weigh 4.18 grams and measure 18 millimeters in diameter, which approximately compares to the size of a standard U.S. dime. The Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coin contains a total of 0.1202 ounces of gold.

Grading the 1880 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coin

For coins that have been around as long as the Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coin, you must focus on the coin’s overall condition. While coins may be valuable in any condition, it is typically only coins that look pristine that are highly coveted by coin collectors. Finding coins in this condition is not easy, however, given the amount of time these coins have been produced.

When you are inspecting a coin’s condition, you are in essence trying to figure out how that coin may be graded. While actual coin grades are assigned by professional coin grading companies, you can use the guidelines below to get a good idea of how a graded Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coin may present itself.

Uncirculated: This is the condition that serious coin collectors are looking to acquire and add to their portfolios. Because these coins have never been used in circulation, they may have little to no damage or signs of wear and tear. These coins will, in fact, appear to be brand new, and will look as if they were just rolled from the mint’s presses the same day.

Extremely Fine: Coins in extremely fine condition may also be sought after by collectors. These coins will, however, display some very minor damage to surfaces or details. In fact, it is only under a very close visual inspection that one might see the coin’s blemishes or damage. To be assigned this grade, the coin will look to be in near-pristine condition.

Fine: Coins that are assigned a grade of fine are typically coins that have been used in circulation for a period of time. These Fine:coins will have damage to surfaces or details, although the coins images and text will remain relatively clear and robust.

Good: Most of the Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coins on the market today are said to be in good condition. These coins have exchanged hands countless times over many decades, and will have obvious signs of wear and tear or significant damage. Collectors may shy away from coins in good condition in favor of coins in extremely fine or uncirculated condition.

Pricing the 1880 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coin

To get an idea of what a 1880 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coin might be valued at, you must first identify the condition. Coins that have been well-preserved over the years often sell for significantly larger amounts than similar coins that have not been well-preserved. The chart below will give you a good idea as to what you might expect to pay for a 1880 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coin based on its grade.

Liberty Head $2.5 Gold Coin

DATE	GOOD	FINE	EXTREMELY FINE	UNCIRCULATED
1880 Liberty Head $2.5 Gold Coin	N/A	N/A	$425	$650
Source: Red Book