1852 $2.50 Liberty Head Quarter Eagle PCGS AU58 Ex.SS Central America#2 w/Box

Here’s an attractive specimen to include in your coin collection. Rich with history, this 1852 quarter eagle was retrieved from the tragic wreck of the S.S. Central America (SSCA). PCGS has graded 10 as AU58 with 13 finer. This piece comes with a pinch of gold dust from the Gold Rush and its original box and certificate of authenticity. 

Illustration of the SS Central America from a newspaper in 1857. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

The design of the $2.50 Liberty quarter eagle as finally adopted presents a large head of Liberty facing left. She wears a coronet with the word LIBERTY upon it. Pulled back in a bun, her hair is held in place with a string of pearls. Thirteen stars are found around the rim, representing the original thirteen states (as well as the 13 colonies), with the date below.

The reverse device of the eagle is in essence the same one that had been on the quarter eagles since 1808. First designed by John Reich, the 1840-1907 version was revised by Gobrecht. The eagle stands proudly with its wings stretching from rim to rim with the Union shield displayed on its breast. The olive branch of peace is found in its right talon, while three arrows that represent military preparedness are grasped in its left. The legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA encircle the eagle, while the denomination 2 1/2 D. is under the majestic bird.