1856 $5 (Regular Strike)

Series: Liberty Head $5 1839-1908

PCGS MS65+

PCGS MS64+

PCGS MS64

PCGS #:: 8266

Designer:: Christian Gobrecht

Edge:: Reeded

Diameter:: 21.65 millimeters

Weight:: 8.36 grams

Mintage:: 197,990

Mint:: Philadelphia

Metal:: 90% Gold, 10% Copper

Auction Record:: $54,050 • MS65 • 04-26-2015 • Heritage Auctions

ShowHide Related Coins and Varieties (2)

Major Varieties

1856 $5

Die Varieties

1856 $5 S.S. Central America #2 (with Pinch)

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PCGS Population

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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	400	R-6.2	86 / 112 TIE	123 / 218 TIE
60 or Better	35	R-8.8	94 / 112 TIE	127 / 218 TIE
65 or Better	2	R-9.9	12 / 112 TIE	18 / 218 TIE

Survival Estimate
All Grades	400
60 or Better	35
65 or Better	2

Numismatic Rarity
All Grades	R-6.2
60 or Better	R-8.8
65 or Better	R-9.9

Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type
All Grades	86 / 112 TIE
60 or Better	94 / 112 TIE
65 or Better	12 / 112 TIE

Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series
All Grades	123 / 218 TIE
60 or Better	127 / 218 TIE
65 or Better	18 / 218 TIE

Condition Census What Is This?

Pos	Grade	Pedigree and History
1	MS65+ PCGS grade	David Akers “Auction ‘90” 8/1990:1901, $88,000 - Edward Milas Collection - Stack's 5/1995:500 - New Orleans Collection - Heritage 4/2015:5343, $54,050
2	MS65 PCGS grade
3	MS64 PCGS grade	D.L. Hansen Collection
3	MS64 PCGS grade
3	MS64 estimated grade
3	MS64 estimated grade
3	MS64 estimated grade
8	MS63+ PCGS grade	Goldbergs 6/2015:1831, $5,405
9	MS63 PCGS grade
9	MS63 PCGS grade

#1 MS65+ PCGS grade

David Akers “Auction ‘90” 8/1990:1901, $88,000 - Edward Milas Collection - Stack's 5/1995:500 - New Orleans Collection - Heritage 4/2015:5343, $54,050

#2 MS65 PCGS grade

#3 MS64 PCGS grade

D.L. Hansen Collection

#3 MS64 PCGS grade

#3 MS64 estimated grade

#8 MS63+ PCGS grade

Goldbergs 6/2015:1831, $5,405

#9 MS63 PCGS grade

David Akers (1975/88): This date is not as rare as the 1851, 1853, 1854 or 1855 but it is definitely more rare than the 1843, 1847, 1852 or 1861. Uncirculated specimens are known, but they are very rare and VF or EF are the grades one is most likely to encounter.