1851 $5 (Regular Strike)

Series: Liberty Head $5 1839-1908

PCGS MS65

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PCGS MS64

PCGS MS63+

PCGS #:: 8246

Designer:: Christian Gobrecht

Edge:: Reeded

Diameter:: 21.65 millimeters

Weight:: 8.36 grams

Mintage:: 377,505

Mint:: Philadelphia

Metal:: 90% Gold, 10% Copper

Auction Record:: $52,875 • MS65 • 02-25-2021 • Legend Rare Coin Auctions

ShowHide Related Coins and Varieties (2)

Major Varieties

1851 $5

Die Varieties

1851 $5 S.S. Central America #2 (with Pinch)

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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	300	R-6.4	77 / 112 TIE	113 / 218 TIE
60 or Better	15	R-9.3	77 / 112 TIE	106 / 218 TIE
65 or Better	0	R-10.1	1 / 112	1 / 218

Survival Estimate
All Grades	300
60 or Better	15
65 or Better

Numismatic Rarity
All Grades	R-6.4
60 or Better	R-9.3
65 or Better	R-10.1

Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type
All Grades	77 / 112 TIE
60 or Better	77 / 112 TIE
65 or Better	1 / 112

Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series
All Grades	113 / 218 TIE
60 or Better	106 / 218 TIE
65 or Better	1 / 218

Condition Census What Is This?

Pos	Grade	Pedigree and History
1	MS65 PCGS grade	Robert Faust, sold privately on 4/28/1963 for $150 - John Jay Pittman Collection - David Akers 10/1997:995, $46,750
2	MS64 PCGS grade	Stack's/Bowers 11/2015:20114, $19,975
2	MS64 PCGS grade
2	MS64 PCGS grade
2	MS64 estimated grade
6	MS63 PCGS grade
6	MS63 PCGS grade
6	MS63 PCGS grade
6	MS63 PCGS grade
6	MS63 PCGS grade

#1 MS65 PCGS grade

Robert Faust, sold privately on 4/28/1963 for $150 - John Jay Pittman Collection - David Akers 10/1997:995, $46,750

#2 MS64 PCGS grade

Stack's/Bowers 11/2015:20114, $19,975

#2 MS64 PCGS grade

#2 MS64 estimated grade

#6 MS63 PCGS grade

David Akers (1975/88): The 1851 is more rare than one would naturally expect from the fairly high mintage figure. While not as rare as the 1849 or 1850, it is comparable to the 1848 and more rare than the Philadelphia issues from 1843 to 1847. The date on this and the mintmarked 1851 Half Eagles is huge, taking up the entire space between the bust and the rim. Many specimens have an attractive greenish-gold color as do other gold denominations of this date. Despite its current "common date" status, the 1851 is very difficult to obtain in strictly uncirculated condition.