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.
Gordon Wrubel:
You are at a coin convention and you are offered a "raw" Mint State 1856 10C at a favorable price. How can you tell if it is the very common Small Date or the much rarer Large Date? This is an easy call if you look at the 5 in the date. The Small Date variety has a "Slanted" 5, while the Large Date has an "Upright" 5. The Large Date is about 5 times scarcer than the Small Date. As of this writing, the Population Report for the Large Date shows one 66 and one 67 at the top. The next highest is MS 64. The Small Date census boasts more than two dozen specimens 65 or better, topped with a lone MS 67.
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