1836 $2.50 Script 8 (1836 Quarter Eagle Script 8) PCGS AU55. The 1836 Classic Head quarter eagle is popular with type collectors today. Two varieties for this date are known, one with a Block 8 and the present coin with a Script 8. The piece shows brilliant mint luster that highlights the devices of both sides. There is sufficient separation in the curls of the hair to indicate the appropriateness of the grade of AU55. The coin shows a strong reverse with full arrowheads, leaves, and claws and an above average strike on the obverse.

The Classic Head Quarter Eagle was minted from 1834 to 1839. Designed by William Kneass, it has a head of Liberty in profile facing left. She wears a LIBERTY inscribed headband that reveals the curly hair on top of her head, which also flows down her neck. She is surrounded by thirteen six-pointed stars, and the date is below. Dentils are around the periphery of the coin. The reverse shows a heraldic eagle with its head facing left. In its talons are olive branch and arrows, symbols of peace and preparedness. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is in an arc around the eagle, interrupted by the wing tips. The denomination, written as 2 ½ D., is below.

The Classic Head motif chosen by Kneass is a copy of John Reich’s Large Cent design of 1808-1814 and the half cents of 1825-1836. The eagle design is also similar to an earlier Reich eagle designed for gold coins.