1871-S 50C (Regular Strike)

Series: Liberty Seated Half Dollars 1839-1891

PCGS MS66+

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PCGS MS66

PCGS MS65

PCGS #:: 6332

Designer:: Thomas Sully/Christian Gobrecht

Edge:: Reeded

Diameter:: 30.00 millimeters

Weight:: 12.40 grams

Mintage:: 2,178,000

Mint:: San Francisco

Metal:: 90% Silver, 10% Copper

Auction Record:: $33,600 • MS66+ • 08-28-2022 • Heritage Auctions

ShowHide Related Coins and Varieties (9)

Major Varieties

1871-S 50C

Die Varieties

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For Sale Now at Collectors Corner - PCGS Graded

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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	800	R-5.4	23 / 45 TIE	72 / 126 TIE
60 or Better	50	R-8.5	14 / 45 TIE	51 / 126 TIE
65 or Better	4	R-9.8	3 / 45 TIE	18 / 126 TIE

Survival Estimate
All Grades	800
60 or Better	50
65 or Better	4

Numismatic Rarity
All Grades	R-5.4
60 or Better	R-8.5
65 or Better	R-9.8

Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type
All Grades	23 / 45 TIE
60 or Better	14 / 45 TIE
65 or Better	3 / 45 TIE

Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series
All Grades	72 / 126 TIE
60 or Better	51 / 126 TIE
65 or Better	18 / 126 TIE

Condition Census What Is This?

Pos	Grade	Image	Pedigree and History
1	MS66 PCGS grade
2	MS65 PCGS grade
2	MS65 PCGS grade
2	MS65 PCGS grade
5	MS64+ PCGS grade
6	MS64 PCGS grade
6	MS64 PCGS grade
6	MS64 PCGS grade
6	MS64 PCGS grade
6	MS64 PCGS grade

#1 MS66 PCGS grade

#2 MS65 PCGS grade

#5 MS64+ PCGS grade

#6 MS64 PCGS grade

Ron Guth:

The1871-S Half Dollar had the largest mintage of any S-Mint Half Dollar up to that date and the largest mintage of any Half Dollar since 1861. Nonetheless, it is generally priced at a small premium over the regular "type" coins, including those of the 1880's with smaller mintages. It is relatively scarce in Mint State, with the average grading hovering in the MS62 to MS64 range. Gems are very rare.

The strike quality on the 1871-S Half Dollar is usually quite good. Luster, as seen on the few Mint State examples we've encountered, is frosty.