1857 50C (Regular Strike)

Series: Liberty Seated Half Dollars 1839-1891

PCGS MS66

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PCGS MS65+

PCGS #:: 6290

Designer:: Thomas Sully/Christian Gobrecht

Edge:: Reeded

Diameter:: 30.00 millimeters

Weight:: 12.40 grams

Mintage:: 1,988,000

Mint:: Philadelphia

Metal:: 90% Silver, 10% Copper

Auction Record:: $10,575 • MS66 • 01-09-2013 • Heritage Auctions

ShowHide Related Coins and Varieties (17)

Major Varieties

1857 50C

Die Varieties

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Rarity and Survival Estimates Learn More

Grades	Survival Estimate The Survival Estimate represents an average of one or more experts' opinions as to how many examples survive of a particular coin in three categories: 1) all grades, 2) 60 or better, and 3) 65 or better. These estimates are based on a variety of sources, including population reports, auction appearances, and personal knowledge. Survival estimates include coins that are raw, certified by PCGS, and certified by other grading services.	Numismatic Rarity Numismatic Rarity converts the Survival Estimate for a particular coin into a number from 1 to 10 (with decimal increments) based on the PCGS Rarity Scale. The higher the number, the more rare the coin.	Relative Rarity By Type Relative Rarity By Type ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Type. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.	Relative Rarity By Series Relative Rarity By Series ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Series. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.
All Grades	1,500	R-4.8	57 / 66 TIE	99 / 126 TIE
60 or Better	100	R-8.0	49 / 66 TIE	79 / 126 TIE
65 or Better	8	R-9.6	30 / 66 TIE	52 / 126 TIE

Survival Estimate
All Grades	1,500
60 or Better	100
65 or Better	8

Numismatic Rarity
All Grades	R-4.8
60 or Better	R-8.0
65 or Better	R-9.6

Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type
All Grades	57 / 66 TIE
60 or Better	49 / 66 TIE
65 or Better	30 / 66 TIE

Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series
All Grades	99 / 126 TIE
60 or Better	79 / 126 TIE
65 or Better	52 / 126 TIE

Condition Census What Is This?

Pos	Grade	Pedigree and History
1	MS66 PCGS grade
1	MS66 PCGS grade	Heritage 1/9/2013:4322, $10,575
3	MS65+ PCGS grade
3	MS65+ PCGS grade
5	MS65 PCGS grade
5	MS65 PCGS grade
5	MS65 PCGS grade
5	MS65 PCGS grade
5	MS65 PCGS grade
5	MS65 estimated grade	Eugene H. Gardner Collection - Heritage 6/2014:30500, $8,812.50

#1 MS66 PCGS grade

Heritage 1/9/2013:4322, $10,575

#3 MS65+ PCGS grade

#5 MS65 PCGS grade

#5 MS65 estimated grade

Eugene H. Gardner Collection - Heritage 6/2014:30500, $8,812.50

Ron Guth:

The 1857 Half Dollar is an excellent candidate to represent the No Motto Seated Liberty Type. It is a relatively common date, affordable in most grades, available in several Mint State grades, and it is usually sharply struck and well-produced. However, it is very difficult to locate high-end 1857 Half Dollars, especially in grades above MS65. Even so, the highest graded 1857 Half Dollars (MS66) are some of the best bargains in numismatics.