1849 Quarter Eagle (1849 $2.50) PCGS MS61. The featured coin is an 1849 $2.5 quarter eagle graded MS-61 by PCGS. The holder denotes that this coin was part of the Childs collection. Liberty Head $2.5 gold quarter eagles were struck from 1840-1907. This coin was designed by Chief Mint Engraver Christian Gobrecht. Gobrechts design for the Liberty Head quarter eagle featured a large head of Liberty facing left, wearing a wide coronet inscribed with the word LIBERTY . Her hair is pulled back in a bun and held in place by a string of pearls. Thirteen stars are placed around the periphery, representing the original colonies, with the date below.

The reverse is adorned by an eagle originally designed by John Reich. The 1840-1907 version was probably modified by Robert Ball Hughes. The heraldic eagle has its wings spread from rim to rim with the Union shield covering its breast. An olive branch representing the country's peaceful intentions is in the eagle's right claw, with three arrows emphasizing military preparedness in the left. The legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounds the eagle, with the denomination 2 1/2 D. beneath the bird.

This example is truly exquisite. Its gleaming surfaces are free from any marks or abrasions and its devices are strongly struck. Having been part of Walter H. Childs famed collection, this piece is a true numismatic rarity!

Formed beginning in 1870, the Childs Collection, long hidden in a bank vault, is one of the most incredible, most interesting, most important cabinets of United States coins ever assembled. Many coins, including gem Proofs, were ordered directly from the Philadelphia Mint. Other coins were purchased from such old-time dealers as J.W. Haseltine, Charles Steigerwalt, and other pioneers. The Childs Collection was nearly complete by date from 1793 to the mid 20th century, in denominations from the half cent to the gold $5. Many of the coins have been off the market for over a century!

In its population report, PCGS shows 3 with 11 better.