How to Identify the Sesquicentennial of American Independence Quarter Eagle

What This Coin Is

This $2.50 gold quarter eagle was struck in 1926 to commemorate the 150th anniversary — the sesquicentennial — of the Declaration of Independence. It was sold at the Sesquicentennial International Exposition held in Philadelphia. Many pieces went unsold at the fair and were later melted, so the number in collector hands today is smaller than the original mintage.

Obverse Design & Inscriptions

The obverse shows Liberty standing, holding a torch aloft in her raised right hand and a scroll representing the Declaration of Independence in her left — a pose deliberately reminiscent of the Statue of Liberty. "IN GOD WE TRUST," "LIBERTY," and "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" appear around the design along with the dates "1776–1926."

Reverse Design & Inscriptions

The reverse depicts Independence Hall in Philadelphia, shown frontally with its central tower. "SESQUICENTENNIAL OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE" arches around the building, with the denomination "2½ DOLLARS" below.

Size, Weight, Metal, Edge

This is a standard quarter eagle: about 18mm in diameter, 4.18 grams, struck in .900 fine gold with a reeded edge — noticeably larger and heavier than the tiny gold dollar commemoratives of the same era.

Mint Marks & Where to Find Them

All were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with no mint mark present anywhere on the coin.

Telling It Apart From Similar Coins

Its size (18mm) and $2.50 denomination separate it immediately from gold dollar commemoratives. Among regular-issue quarter eagles, the standing Liberty with torch and the Independence Hall reverse are unique to this commemorative — no circulating quarter eagle of the period shares this design.

Judging Condition at a Glance

Because a large share of the mintage was melted rather than circulated, surviving pieces run the gamut from well-worn (many were spent as ordinary quarter eagles once sales lagged) to fully lustrous gem examples. Check Liberty's raised arm, torch, and drapery folds for flatness, and examine Independence Hall's tower and roofline on the reverse — these are the first areas to show wear.

Authenticity Red Flags

Confirm weight (4.18 grams) and diameter (18mm) against genuine specifications; being off in either measurement is a strong warning sign. Watch for soft, indistinct lettering in "SESQUICENTENNIAL OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE," a dull or grainy surface texture inconsistent with struck gold, or a coin that reacts to a magnet — genuine gold does not. As with other gold commemoratives, have any example you're uncertain about verified by a professional grading service before relying on it for identification.