The 1891 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coins are highly collectible numismatic relics that are still popular today among series enthusiasts and type collectors. The U.S. Mint struck 10,960 of these 1891 dated coins, yet only a fraction remain today in the coin market. As with most pre-1933 coins, this means they are much scarcer than even the already low mintage figures would suggest. Pre-1933 coins were melted in large numbers throughout the 20th century, particularly after the United States left the gold standard.
Unfortunately, because these coins are so old, so few of them have survived in excellent condition. Because collectors only want to get their hands on one of these coins in great condition, this presents people with quite a challenge when it comes to finding a well-preserved piece.
Since the 1891 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coin was produced so over a century ago, collectors are wary about purchasing them simply because condition cannot be guaranteed. For this reason, you will see collectors searching high and low for those 1891 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coins that have been well-preserved through the years. Unfortunately, it is not always such an easy task to find a well-preserved gold coin.
While most people would opt to send their gold coins away for grading to determine their official condition, most people have neither the time nor the money to do this. Instead, you will find below an outline of the characteristics of graded coins as to gain a better idea of what coins of certain grades look like.
Uncirculated: For a coin to be graded Uncirculated, it will have had to spend no time at all on the open exchange market. Because of their remaining in safekeeping throughout their lives, 1891 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coins that are Uncirculated are some of the most desirable in the eyes of collectors. As you could have probably guessed, Uncirculated gold coins are also those that carry the largest price tags.
Extremely Fine: To receive this grade, the coin in question will have only spent a very limited amount of time in circulation. These coins will, at first glance, appear to be absolutely pristine, but under closer inspection you will be able to find some minor imperfections and extremely light wear. Though not of the highest grade, Extremely Fine 1891 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coins are still heavily sought after by collectors.
Fine: A coin given the grade of Fine is one that was in circulation for a good bit of time, but did not incur large amounts of damage. Though there will be consistent light scratching on the coin’s surface, it will not be so heavy that the integrity of the coin’s design will have been compromised. Even in this condition, 1891 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coins are still prized in the eyes of collectors.
Good: Good is the grade given to 1891 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coins that spent decades upon decades in circulation and were heavily damaged along the way. Because the 1891 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coin was such a popular coin, this grader is not all that uncommon. Still, these coins are sought after by collectors simply because of their age and historical significance.
In order to determine a price for the 1891 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coin, you really don’t need to look much further than the condition the coin is in. Because these coins are so old, those that have been well-preserved throughout the years are the ones that will cost the most. Even the tiniest differences in condition can mean massive differences in price. Below is a chart aimed at giving you a better idea as to what an 1891 Liberty Head $2.50 Gold Coin will cost given its condition.
Liberty Head $2.5 Gold Coin
DATE | GOOD | FINE | EXTREMELY FINE | UNCIRCULATED |
---|---|---|---|---|
1891 Liberty Head $2.5 Gold Coin | N/A | N/A | $385 | $400 | Source: Red Book |