1859 50C (Regular Strike)

Series: Liberty Seated Half Dollars 1839-1891

PCGS MS66+

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PCGS MS66+

PCGS #:: 6296

Designer:: Thomas Sully/Christian Gobrecht

Edge:: Reeded

Diameter:: 30.00 millimeters

Weight:: 12.40 grams

Mintage:: 747,200

Mint:: Philadelphia

Metal:: 90% Silver, 10% Copper

Auction Record:: $21,150 • MS67 • 04-27-2016 • Heritage Auctions

ShowHide Related Coins and Varieties (12)

Major Varieties

1859 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	1,200	R-4.9	53 / 66 TIE	90 / 126 TIE
60 or Better	100	R-8.0	49 / 66 TIE	79 / 126 TIE
65 or Better	10	R-9.5	32 / 66 TIE	55 / 126 TIE

Survival Estimate
All Grades	1,200
60 or Better	100
65 or Better	10

Numismatic Rarity
All Grades	R-4.9
60 or Better	R-8.0
65 or Better	R-9.5

Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type
All Grades	53 / 66 TIE
60 or Better	49 / 66 TIE
65 or Better	32 / 66 TIE

Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series
All Grades	90 / 126 TIE
60 or Better	79 / 126 TIE
65 or Better	55 / 126 TIE

Condition Census What Is This?

Pos	Grade	Pedigree and History
1	MS67 PCGS grade	Eugene H. Gardner Collection, Part III - Heritage 5/2015:98476, $18,213 - Heritage 4/2016:4664, $21,150
2	MS66 PCGS grade	Heritage 1/2012:3240, $19,550 - D.L. Hansen Collection
2	MS66 PCGS grade	Heritage 7/2005:6305, $8,625
2	MS66 PCGS grade
5	MS65 PCGS grade
5	MS65 PCGS grade
5	MS65 PCGS grade
5	MS65 PCGS grade
5	MS65 PCGS grade	Benson Collection, Part III - Goldbergs 2/2003:554, $7,130 - Good River Collection, Part II - Superior 8/2006:230, $8,724
10	MS65 estimated grade

#1 MS67 PCGS grade

Eugene H. Gardner Collection, Part III - Heritage 5/2015:98476, $18,213 - Heritage 4/2016:4664, $21,150

#2 MS66 PCGS grade

Heritage 1/2012:3240, $19,550 - D.L. Hansen Collection

#2 MS66 PCGS grade

Heritage 7/2005:6305, $8,625

#2 MS66 PCGS grade

#5 MS65 PCGS grade

Benson Collection, Part III - Goldbergs 2/2003:554, $7,130 - Good River Collection, Part II - Superior 8/2006:230, $8,724

#10 MS65 estimated grade

Ron Guth:

Of the three 1859 Half Dollars (1859, 1859-O, and 1859-S), the 1859 is right in the middle of the pack in terms of both mintage and the number of certified examples that exist today. The 1859 is not as plentiful as the 1858, nor even the 1858-O, but it is available in most grades up to (and including) MS66.