Could you explain the difference between an 1861 $2.50 gold coin type 1 and type 2?

Answer by  debshink (60)

The Type 1 1861 $2. 50 gold coin, or 'quarter eagle', has larger letters and arrowheads on the reverse side than the Type 2. Issued the first year of the Civil War, the Type 1 is much scarcer than the Type 2, making it highly collectible.

Answer by  ijlalnoor (2656)

The type 2 was released in about the first year of the civil war, it is very rare which makes it a really good collectible. The type 1 has got larger letters and arrow heads on the back side.