When you think of rare and valuable coins, your mind might jump to silver dollars or old copper cents. But one of the rarest and most legendary coins in American history is actually made of gold. It’s called the 1854-S Quarter Eagle, a $2.50 gold coin that holds a special place in numismatic history. While thousands of gold coins were made over the years, this particular coin is so rare that only three examples are known to exist today. And with just one in private hands, it has become a true treasure of the coin-collecting world. In this article, we’ll explore what makes the 1854-S Quarter Eagle so special, its background, and why it is worth a small fortune.
Coin Name: 1854-S Liberty Head Quarter Eagle ($2.50 Gold Coin)
The 1854-S Quarter Eagle is part of the Liberty Head series, which was minted between 1840 and 1907. These coins had a face value of $2.50, which was known as a “Quarter Eagle” back then—a popular small denomination gold coin used in everyday trade during the 1800s.
The “S” mint mark on the coin stands for the San Francisco Mint, which was newly established in 1854 to help with the California Gold Rush. The mint was opened to turn raw gold discovered in California into U.S. coins. That same year, the San Francisco Mint struck only 246 Quarter Eagles—an extremely small number compared to other coins of the time.
Out of those 246 coins, only three are known to survive today. One is in the Smithsonian Institution, another is in the Pittman Collection, and the third was found in the 1980s and remains in private hands.
This makes the 1854-S Quarter Eagle not only rare but also historically valuable—it was among the very first coins struck by the San Francisco Mint using California gold.
Why Is the 1854-S Quarter Eagle So Valuable?
Here are the main reasons this coin is considered one of the greatest gold coin rarities:
- Extremely low mintage – Only 246 were struck in total.
- Only 3 known to exist – Most were lost, melted, or damaged over time.
- First-year coin – Made in the very first year of the San Francisco Mint.
- Historic Gold Rush era – Made from California gold at a critical point in American history.
- Collector demand – It’s a “dream coin” for serious collectors and investors.
When one of these coins was last sold at auction in 2016, it fetched over $2 million, a massive amount for such a small coin. If the private example were to be sold today, it could easily fetch an even higher price due to demand and rarity.
How to Identify an 1854-S Quarter Eagle
Although the odds of owning one are incredibly low, here are some features to look for:
- Obverse (Front): Features Lady Liberty facing left, wearing a coronet (crown) inscribed with “LIBERTY.”
- Reverse (Back): Shows a bald eagle with a shield on its chest, holding arrows and an olive branch.
- Mint mark “S”: Located below the eagle on the reverse side.
- Year “1854”: Found below Liberty’s portrait.
Due to its rarity, any coin that looks like the 1854-S Quarter Eagle should be authenticated by professionals before assuming it’s real. Fakes and altered coins are common for rare types like this.
Quick Facts – 1854-S Quarter Eagle
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Coin Name | 1854-S Liberty Head Quarter Eagle |
| Metal Composition | 90% Gold, 10% Copper |
| Denomination | $2.50 (Quarter Eagle) |
| Mint Location | San Francisco (“S” Mint Mark) |
| Total Mintage | Only 246 |
| Known to Exist | Only 3 |
| Value (at auction) | Over $2 million |
The 1854-S Quarter Eagle is more than just a rare gold coin—it’s a piece of American history. From the birth of the San Francisco Mint to the rush for California gold, this small $2.50 coin carries with it the story of an entire era. With just three known examples, it’s one of the rarest U.S. coins ever made. For coin collectors and history lovers alike, it represents the perfect combination of rarity, beauty, and historical importance. While owning one may be nearly impossible, just learning about it reminds us how even the smallest coins can tell the biggest stories.
FAQ’s:
Q1: What is the 1854-S Quarter Eagle made of?
A1: It is made of 90% gold and 10% copper, as was standard for U.S. gold coins of that era.
Q2: How many 1854-S Quarter Eagles were made?
A2: Only 246 were originally struck, and only 3 are known to survive today.
Q3: Where was the 1854-S Quarter Eagle minted?
A3: It was made at the San Francisco Mint, marked with an “S” below the eagle on the reverse.
Q4: What makes this coin so rare?
A4: The extremely low mintage, survival of only 3 examples, and its connection to the Gold Rush era make it extremely rare.