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The $2.5 Gold Liberty coin dated 1836 in About Uncirculated (AU) condition is a remarkable early American gold coin from the Classic Head Quarter Eagle series. This short-lived series, which ran from 1834 to 1839, marked an important transition in U.S. coinage, both in design and policy. The 1836 issue represents the third year of this historic type and reflects a time when the United States Mint was responding to fluctuating gold prices and evolving economic conditions. As an AU example, this coin exhibits only light wear on the high points and retains much of its original detail and luster, making it highly desirable to both collectors and investors.
The Classic Head design was introduced in 1834 as part of a broader monetary reform aimed at keeping U.S. gold coins in circulation. Prior to 1834, gold coins contained so much precious metal that they were often melted down or exported for profit. Congress responded by reducing the weight of gold coins, including the quarter eagle, under the Coinage Act of 1834. This change not only ensured gold coins would circulate domestically but also called for a redesign to distinguish the new, lighter issues from their heavier predecessors. The result was the Classic Head motif, created by Mint Engraver William Kneass, which brought a new aesthetic and practical identity to the denomination.
The obverse of the 1836 $2.5 Liberty Quarter Eagle features the head of Liberty facing left, wearing a wide headband inscribed with the word “LIBERTY.” Her hair is curled in ringlets cascading down her neck, a style reminiscent of classical Greco-Roman figures. Surrounding her portrait are thirteen stars, representing the original colonies, and the date “1836” is placed beneath the bust. The design is known for its strong central devices and bold relief, though it also reveals Kneass’s artistic transition between the Capped Bust and Liberty Head designs that bracket the Classic Head series.
The reverse displays a simplified version of the heraldic eagle with a shield on its breast, clutching an olive branch in one talon and three arrows in the other. The eagle is surrounded by the legend “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and the denomination “2½ D.” appears at the bottom. Notably, there is no motto “IN GOD WE TRUST,” as this phrase would not appear on U.S. coinage until after the Civil War. The design’s relative simplicity, balanced by its well-proportioned elements, makes it particularly appealing to numismatists who appreciate early American design work in its transitional stages.
The 1836 $2.5 Gold Liberty coin was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, the only mint producing quarter eagles at the time, as evidenced by the absence of a mintmark. The Philadelphia Mint in the 1830s operated with steam-powered presses and manually prepared dies, resulting in occasional irregularities in strike quality. Still, many examples, especially in higher grades like AU, show excellent detail and clarity. The coin was struck on a planchet made of .8992 fine gold, a fineness standard adopted for U.S. gold coins in 1834 and used until 1837, when it was slightly raised to .900 fine. The weight of the coin is approximately 4.18 grams, or 64.5 grains, reduced from earlier issues to ensure viability in domestic commerce.
According to mint records, the total mintage for the 1836 Classic Head Quarter Eagle was 547,986 pieces, a relatively high number for the short series. However, many were melted over the years due to changing gold values, banking panics, and subsequent coinage reforms, making survivors, particularly in higher grades, much scarcer today. The survival rate of About Uncirculated examples is significantly lower than that of lower-circulated grades, and fully Mint State coins are rare and command a considerable premium. AU specimens are thus considered a sweet spot for collectors—offering strong eye appeal and historical integrity at a more accessible price point.
In About Uncirculated condition, the 1836 $2.5 Gold Liberty coin retains much of its original mint luster, especially in protected areas such as the fields near the stars or around the eagle’s wings. Light friction may be seen on Liberty’s cheek, hair curls, and the high points of the eagle’s breast and wingtips. However, all design elements remain well-defined, and the coin’s surfaces are typically free of major nicks or distractions. The color is often a warm yellow-gold or slightly reddish tone, reflective of the gold-copper alloy used during the period. Coins that have been well-preserved and never cleaned or mishandled show pleasing original surfaces and sometimes even traces of cartwheel luster.
The rarity and desirability of the 1836 issue also stem from its place within the numismatic landscape of the Classic Head series. As one of only six dates in the short-lived type, the 1836 quarter eagle is essential for completing a type set or a date run of Classic Head gold coins. Its comparatively higher mintage makes it somewhat more accessible than rarer issues like the 1838-C or 1839-D, but quality examples are still in limited supply, particularly those with sharp details and original surfaces. AU examples often trade hands through auctions or reputable dealers, where premium prices are paid for coins with strong eye appeal and sound provenance.
Another factor contributing to the coin’s appeal is its connection to a formative period in American monetary history. The introduction of the Classic Head design and the accompanying weight and fineness reduction reflected a strategic effort by the U.S. government to keep specie-based coinage in active circulation. This coin, therefore, represents not just artistry, but the evolution of American economic policy in a young republic seeking to stabilize and assert its national currency. Collectors who value historical context will find the 1836 quarter eagle an important and tangible link to that transformative era.
The $2.5 Gold Liberty 1836 AU is more than just a beautiful early gold coin—it is a historical cornerstone of U.S. numismatics. Its sharp design, attractive surfaces, and connection to pivotal legislative changes in gold coinage make it a prized acquisition. Whether part of an early gold type set, a Classic Head date collection, or a portfolio of significant 19th-century coins, this example stands out for its scarcity, quality, and historic relevance. As interest in early U.S. gold continues to grow, coins like the 1836 quarter eagle in AU condition will remain enduring favorites among advanced collectors and historians alike.