-
Inventory:
OUT OF STOCK
- Product ID: 34557
Checkout
The $2.5 Gold Liberty 1878-S AU is a prized example of late 19th-century U.S. gold coinage, produced during a time of economic recovery and expansion following the tumultuous Reconstruction era. Part of the long-running Liberty Head Quarter Eagle series designed by Christian Gobrecht, this coin holds historical significance as one of the earlier issues from the San Francisco Mint. Struck in 1878, just two decades after the California Gold Rush began, the coin represents the ongoing role of Western gold in shaping American monetary policy. With its status as an About Uncirculated specimen, the 1878-S Quarter Eagle retains a strong degree of its original detail, making it a desirable acquisition for collectors of classic U.S. gold coins.
The Liberty Head Quarter Eagle was first introduced in 1840 and remained in production until 1907, making it one of the longest-running gold coin designs in U.S. history. The coin was created by Christian Gobrecht, the U.S. Mint’s third Chief Engraver, whose elegant neoclassical designs left a lasting impression on 19th-century American coinage. The obverse features a left-facing bust of Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed with the word “LIBERTY.” Her hair is pulled back in a bun with loose curls cascading down her neck. Thirteen stars surround the bust, representing the original colonies, and the date “1878” is positioned below. In About Uncirculated condition, the coin displays only minimal wear on Liberty’s cheek, coronet, and hair, with much of the finer detail still present and well-defined.
The reverse of the coin showcases a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings clutching an olive branch and arrows in its talons, symbolizing the nation's readiness for both peace and defense. The eagle is shielded on its breast, and the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “2½ D.” encircle the design. The mintmark “S,” denoting the San Francisco Mint, is located just below the eagle, above the denomination. This reverse layout was used throughout the series and is admired for its symmetry and strength. On this AU example, the eagle’s feathers, particularly on the neck and wings, remain mostly sharp, with only slight wear on the highest relief points. The shield and talons also retain strong definition, contributing to the overall appeal of the coin.
The 1878-S issue is historically important as one of the earlier Quarter Eagles produced at the San Francisco Mint. The San Francisco facility opened in 1854 to handle the immense quantities of gold being mined in California, and its coins played a crucial role in regional and national commerce. By 1878, San Francisco had matured into a vital minting hub, issuing large numbers of both silver and gold coins to meet the demands of a growing Western economy. The mintage for the 1878-S $2.5 Liberty was relatively modest, with only 144,700 coins struck. Though not the rarest in the series, its limited mintage and West Coast origin add significantly to its desirability among collectors.
Gold quarter eagles from the 19th century circulated widely and were often used in everyday transactions, particularly in the West, where hard currency remained in demand long after paper money became common in the East. The survival rate for 1878-S Quarter Eagles in higher grades is low, as many were melted, lost, or heavily worn over time. As a result, specimens in About Uncirculated condition, like the one in question, are relatively scarce and carry a premium. This coin shows light friction on the high points but retains original mint luster in protected areas, particularly around the stars and within the recesses of the eagle's feathers.
The coin was struck from an alloy of 90% gold and 10% copper, the standard composition for U.S. gold coins of the era. It weighs 4.18 grams and has a diameter of 18 millimeters. The reeded edge and compact size made it practical for commerce, yet these same features also made it more vulnerable to wear. On this 1878-S example, the surfaces remain pleasing and mostly free of major abrasions or distracting marks. The fields exhibit slight evidence of handling, consistent with light circulation, but the overall eye appeal is high for the grade, with warm, even color and attractive patina that further accentuate the coin’s historic character.
The appeal of the 1878-S Quarter Eagle in AU condition lies in its balance between historical significance, visual quality, and affordability. It represents the legacy of the California Gold Rush and the importance of San Francisco as a minting center, while still offering an accessible price point compared to rarer or higher-grade specimens. For collectors seeking to build a complete set of Liberty Head Quarter Eagles, or those focused on branch mint issues from the 19th century, this coin is a valuable and attractive addition. Its About Uncirculated designation confirms that it narrowly missed a Mint State grade, offering nearly full design detail with just a hint of honest wear.
Coins certified as About Uncirculated (typically AU50 to AU58) are highly regarded in the numismatic community because they exhibit most of the original sharpness and eye appeal of Mint State coins but at a lower price threshold. The 1878-S $2.5 Liberty in AU retains much of its original luster and detail, making it suitable for advanced collectors as well as those just beginning to explore U.S. gold coinage. Its small mintage and historic provenance provide both investment potential and storytelling power, evoking the frontier era of American commerce and the expansion of the nation westward.
The coin’s place in American history adds layers of meaning for collectors. Struck at a time when the U.S. was transitioning into an industrial power, the 1878-S Quarter Eagle is part of a monetary system based on hard money and tangible wealth. Each coin represented real value and was used by individuals in their everyday lives—from merchants to miners and travelers. As a physical artifact of that era, this AU coin offers more than just numismatic interest; it serves as a piece of tangible American heritage, carrying the weight and artistry of a bygone age when gold and silver formed the foundation of economic life.
The Certified $2.5 Gold Liberty 1878-S AU is a superb choice for collectors who value 19th-century gold with a branch mint pedigree and appealing condition. With its intricate Gobrecht design, historic mintmark, limited mintage, and strong detail retention, it exemplifies the qualities that make classic U.S. gold coinage so enduringly popular. Whether acquired as part of a type set, a date/mintmark run, or a portfolio of early San Francisco issues, this coin holds lasting value both as a collectible and as a symbol of America’s golden past.