Christian Gobrecht, who became chief engraver upon the death of William Kneass in 1840, redesigned the gold $2.50 quarter eagle, giving it the same design as he had created for the $10 eagle in 1838 and the $5 half eagle in 1839. Many refer to this as the "Liberty Head", but most modern references list it as the "Coronet" design, highlighting his complete revision of the female personification of Liberty. According to Cornelius Vermeule's Numismatic Art in America, Gobrecht's inspiration for the design appears to have been a painting: Pythagoras or The Earth is Round by Pierre Narcisse Guerin, France, circa 1800. This painting is reflective of the Roman neo-classicism of the Napoleonic era. Numismatic researchers suggest that Gobrecht's placing a coronet upon Liberty's head signifies noble rank, but without the trappings of monarchy. The 13 stars represent the 13 original states. The reverse was borrowed largely from John Reich's original 1808 design which was later modified by Kneass. Gobrecht strengthened the Heraldic Eagle, with wings raised and head facing left. Due to the longevity of the Coronet design, several significant varieties are known. - Coin World's "Making the Grade: Comprehensive Grading Guide for U.S. Coins" - Screenshot of painting from The Athenaeum
