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    1887 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coin

    The 1887 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coins are popular gold coins that numismatists enjoy collecting. While the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia made 6,160 of these coins, far fewer exist today, meaning they’re relatively rare. As is the case with most pre-1933 U.S. coins, which were melted in great numbers during the 20th century, and especially after the nation left the gold standard.

    The 1887 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coins were designed by engraver Christian Gobrecht, who also served as the U.S. Mint’s chief engraver in the early 1840s. The design featured a large head of Liberty facing left, wearing a wide coronet inscribed with the word LIBERTY. Her hair is pulled back in a bun and held in place by a string of pearls. Thirteen stars are placed around the periphery, representing the original colonies, with the date below. The eagle on the reverse was essentially the same one that had been on quarter eagles since 1808.

    Grading the 1887 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coin

    When it comes to collectors and their coins, attention to detail is the name of the game. The reason for this is due to the simple fact that most every collector would like to add only the finest coins to their collections. Unfortunately, the popularity of these coins when they were in circulation meant that many of them were heavily damaged by the time things were all said and done.

    For collectors, it is important that they pay extra attention to what the condition of a coin is. Usually, collectors will have their coins sent away for grading, but not everyone has the time and money to do this. Because of that, we have provided grading specifications below that give you a better idea of what coins of certain grades might look like.

    Uncirculated: Uncirculated Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coin are those that, after they were minted, did not ever enter into circulation. Instead, these pieces were put in a safe place where they effectively avoided any and all damage. When looking at Uncirculated coins, it is quite difficult to tell the coin’s age simply because it has been subjected to absolutely no damage whatsoever.

    Extremely Fine: A coin that is graded to be Extremely Fine is one that only spent a very minimal amount of time being circulated. For the most part, these coins will appear to be in mostly pristine condition, but under close inspection you will be able to make out some imperfections. All in all, these coins are still quite attractive for most collectors.

    Fine: A coin that is graded to be Fine is one that suffered only a bit of damage during its relatively extended period of time in circulation. You will see on these coins that the imagery and inscriptions have been worn down due to the changing of hands over the years. Still, the major features of the coin are able to be made out without too much trouble.

    Good: This is the grade given to those Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coin that are in absolutely horrid shape. These coins were the most heavily circulated of all and, as a result, suffered the most damage. Chipping, bending, and heavy scratching are all characteristics of coins of this grade.

    Pricing the 1887 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coin

    When it comes to assigning a value to the 1887 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coin, you need not look much further than the condition. Because these coins are so old, the smallest differences in condition can make a major difference in price. The chart below will help you understand what a 1887 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coin might cost given its grade.

    Liberty Head $2.5 Gold Coin

    DATE GOOD FINE EXTREMELY FINE UNCIRCULATED
    1887 Liberty Head $2.5 Gold Coin N/A N/A $400 $450
    Source: Red Book

    All Market Updates are provided as a third party analysis and do not necessarily reflect the explicit views of JM Bullion Inc. and should not be construed as financial advice.