PCGS MS61
PCGS MS61
- PCGS #:
- 8621
- Designer:
- Christian Gobrecht
- Edge:
- Reeded
- Diameter:
- 26.80 millimeters
- Weight:
- 16.70 grams
- Mintage:
- 68,000
- Mint:
- San Francisco
- Metal:
- 90% Gold, 10% Copper
- Auction Record:
- $19,550 • MS63 • 12-01-2000 • Christie's
Major Varieties
- 1856-S $10
Rarity and Survival Estimates Learn More
| Survival Estimate | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | 250 |
| 60 or Better | 5 |
| 65 or Better | |
| Numismatic Rarity | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | R-6.6 |
| 60 or Better | R-9.7 |
| 65 or Better | R-10.1 |
| Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | 48 / 64 TIE |
| 60 or Better | 26 / 64 TIE |
| 65 or Better | 1 / 64 |
| Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | 84 / 183 TIE |
| 60 or Better | 44 / 183 TIE |
| 65 or Better | 1 / 183 |
Condition Census What Is This?
| #1 MS63 PCGS grade |
| #2 MS62+ PCGS grade |
| #3 MS62 PCGS grade |
| #3 MS62 PCGS grade |
| #3 MS62 PCGS grade |
|
#5 MS61 PCGS grade
Ellen D Collection (PCGS Set Registry) - Simpson Collection |
| #5 MS61 PCGS grade |
| #5 MS61 PCGS grade |
| #5 MS61 PCGS grade |
| #5 MS61 PCGS grade |
One variety of the 1856-S Eagle features a mintmark placed beneath the talon and the fletch of the arrow. While this is an unusual positioning for an S-Mint No Motto Eagle, it is normal for most other mintmarked No Motto Eagles. All this indicates is that Mint employers were not always consistent in their placement of mintmarks, which were added by hand to the individual dies.
The 1856-S is rare in any condition and is particularly rare in high grade. Only a few that grade as high as AU are known and there are no more than two or possibly three uncirculated examples. When available, this date is invariably only VF or EF. It is interesting to note that despite its considerable rarity, the 1856-S is the second commonest S-Mint Eagle (the 1854-S is the most common) prior to 1879. This is a strong indication of just how rare these San Francisco Mint issues are because the 1856-S is by no stretch of the imagination common. Both small and large mintmark varieties exist and the Small S variety is the more common.