Classic Head $2.5
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Spanning 1834 to 1839, the Classic Head $2.5 catalog contains 11 year-and-mintmark variants. Across the series, the key date is the 1838-C Classic Head $2.5 at just 7,880 struck and the highest-value variant is the 1838-C Classic Head $2.5 at up to $90,000 in top grade.
Classic Head $2.5 Mintage by Year
Peak 548KCombined mintage per year across every strike type (circulated, proof, and specimen) and all mintmarks.
About the Classic Head $2.5
The Classic Head two and a half dollar Gold coin was produced in the United States from 1834 to 1839. It is the first type of two and a half dollar gold coin produced in the United States. These coins feature a bust of Liberty on the obverse side and a crowned heraldic eagle on the reverse. The Classic Head half eagle coins were designed by William Kneass, who served as the second Chief Engraver of the United States Mint.
The coins have a diameter of 18 millimeters and a weight of 4.18 grams. All of the coins produced during this period were struck at the Philadelphia Mint and have no identifying mint mark. The obverse side of the coin features a bust of Liberty, facing left, surrounded by the inscription "LIBERTY". On the reverse side the coins bear a crowned heraldic eagle with a shield covering its breast and the inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - 2 1/2 D."
The coins were issued in two major varieties, the Large Date Large Letters variety and the Small Date Small Letters variety. Collectors looking for the Classic Head half eagle coins may want to look for the Small Date Small Letters variety, as these are more rare and valuable.
Currently, the Classic Head two and a half dollar Gold coins are valued by numismatists based on the rarity, condition and grade of the piece. The NGC Coin Explorer confirms that the value of these coins may range from $375 for Circulated coins to upwards of $95,000 for coins in Mint State-67 or better condition. The PCGS CoinFacts website also lists values for several Classic Head half eagle coins in different grades.
The Classic Head two and a half dollar Gold coins are a highly collectible item due to their historical significance and they are highly sought after by collectors. These coins represent an important piece of United States numismatic history and they can serve as an excellent addition to any numismatists collection.
Most-collected Classic Head $2.5 coins on LuckyCoin
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Frequently Asked Questions
- When was the Classic Head $2.5 minted?
- The Classic Head $2.5 was minted by United States from 1834 to 1839.
- How many Classic Head $2.5 coins were minted?
- Across every year and mintmark, approximately 968,228 Classic Head $2.5 coins were struck.
- What mintmarks exist for the Classic Head $2.5?
- Classic Head $2.5 coins were struck with the following mintmarks: C, DA, O. Some years were also produced without a mintmark.
- What is the Classic Head $2.5 made of?
- The Classic Head $2.5 is made of gold (.900) (.100 silver and copper), weighs 4.18 grams, and measures 18.2 mm in diameter.
- How much is a Classic Head $2.5 worth?
- Value depends on year, mintmark, and condition. Common dates in average circulated condition trade for near face value, while the rarest varieties in top grade can fetch up to $90,000. See individual year pages for grade-by-grade estimates.