1889 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coin

The 1889 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coins were designed by engraver Christian Gobrecht. The U.S. Mint made 17,600 of these coins, yet only a much smaller number of them remain today. They are quite scarce in terms of the marketplace and are relatively difficult to find. As is the case with most pre-1933 U.S. coins, gold coins were melted in great numbers throughout the 20th century, particularly after the country abandoned the gold standard.

The 1889 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coins were made of a “coin gold” composition consisting 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. The Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coins contain a total of 0.1202 ounces of gold. While these gold coins are small, they are quite popular with those who invest in bullion coins.

Grading the 1889 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coin

For collectors, it doesn’t matter what coin we are talking about when we express that condition means absolutely everything. Collectors are always looking for the most well-preserved pieces, and the Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coin is no exception. By closely analyzing every facet of the coin, you can gain a better idea of its grade.

Normally, coins such as the 1889 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coin are sent away to professional companies for grading, but we understand that not everyone has the ability to do this. Understanding this, we have provided below an outline of specifications regarding what you can expect a coin of a particular grade to look like.

Uncirculated: An Uncirculated 1889 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coin is, by nature, one that spent absolutely no time as currency being exchanged on the open market. Having instead been kept in a safe place over the years, these coins will show absolutely no signs of wear and will appear quite beautiful. As you could have probably guessed, gold coins in this condition are the ones investors want more than any other.

Extremely Fine: A gold coin graded to be Extremely Fine is one that spent time exchanging hands briefly. Though you will definitely be able to see some signs of wear on the coin’s faces, the wear present will generally be quite light in nature. Judging with the naked eye, these coins appear to be in excellent condition, and for the most part, they are.

Fine: This grade is given to those Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coins that spent a decent amount of time being circulated. While it is true that they were exchanging hands for quite a few years, the wear you will find on their faces is not so heavy that the coin’s appeal is taken away. With that being said, the heaviest spots of wear will be found on and around the coin’s raised features.

Good: This is the grade given to those gold coins that were circulated more heavily than any other. These coins will show plenty of wear and will sometimes even be chipped, scratched, or scraped. Though they are in not-so-great condition, these coins are still sought after by collectors from all over the world.

Pricing the 1889 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coin

In order to determine the price of the 1889 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coins, you need not look much further than the condition and grade of the coin. Being that the condition of these coins is highly variable, even the smallest changes in condition can mean massive changes in price. Below is a chart aimed at giving you a better idea of what the 1889 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coins will cost given its grade.

Liberty Head $2.5 Gold Coin

DATE	GOOD	FINE	EXTREMELY FINE	UNCIRCULATED
1889 Liberty Head $2.5 Gold Coin	N/A	N/A	$365	$375
Source: Red Book