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1838 Classic Head $2.5 · Value, Mintage & Grades · LuckyCoin
  1. Coins/
  2. United States/
  3. Gold Coins/
  4. Classic Head $2.5/
  5. 1838

1838 Classic Head $2.5

👥Owned by 25 LuckyCoin collectors

1838 Classic Head $2.5

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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.

The 1838 Classic Head $2.5 coin, has a total mintage of 47,030, struck at the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania mint, and engraved by William Kneass. Made of gold (.900) (.100 silver and copper), weighing 4.18 grams, with a diameter of 18.2 mm, and featuring a reeded edge.

The obverse is liberty head left, ribbon in hair, 13 stars around. It reads “LIBERTY 1835”. The reverse is eagle with arrows and olive branch in talons. It reads “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 2 ½ D.”.

Price by Grade

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GradePrice (USD)
12$800.00
20$900.00
40$1,100.00
45$1,300.00
50$2,000.00
55$2,500.00
58$3,000.00
60$3,500.00
62$6,000.00
63$12,000.00

Specifications

Type
Standard circulation coin
Composition
Gold (.900) (.100 silver and copper)
Weight
4.18 g
Diameter
18.2 mm
Edge
Reeded
Designer
William Kneass
Currency
Dollar (1785-date)

More in this Series

Other 1838 Classic Head $2.5 variants
  • 1838-C
← Previous year1837Next year →1839
See all Classic Head $2.5 coins →All 1838 US coin values →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mintage of the 1838 Classic Head $2.5?
The 1838 Classic Head $2.5 has a total mintage of 47,030.
What is the 1838 Classic Head $2.5 made of?
The 1838 Classic Head $2.5 is made of gold (.900) (.100 silver and copper), weighs 4.18 grams, measures 18.2 mm in diameter.
Where was the 1838 Classic Head $2.5 minted?
The 1838 Classic Head $2.5 was struck at the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania mint.
How many people collect the 1838 Classic Head $2.5?
25 LuckyCoin collectors currently track the 1838 Classic Head $2.5 in their collection.
How much is a 1838 Classic Head $2.5 worth?
A 1838 Classic Head $2.5 is valued between $800 and $12000, depending on grade and condition.

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