The $2.50 Liberty Gold Quarter Eagle was the smallest gold coin the United States issued for many years. (Only the Gold Dollar issued from 1849-1889 was smaller.) While a Quarter Eagle was still a significant sum of money, it was a small enough denomination for most Americans to encounter or save at one time or another. In fact, many were given as gifts on occasions of births, graduations, weddings and other important lifetime events. Many Liberty Quarter Eagles have low mintages, yet they trade at nearly the same price as common coins. All Quarter Eagles trade at significant premiums over their intrinsic value; so they cannot truly be considered a bullion investment. However, these coins are interesting and historic; an ideal combination for the casual collector.