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.
David Akers (1975/88):
Like the 1856-S, the 1857-S comes with two different size mintmakrs, large as on the 1854-1855 coins and somewhat smaller and less open. From every standpoint of number of appearances at auction, the 1857-S is of approximately the same rarity as the 1855-S and 1856-S although it has appeared a few times more in uncirculated condition than either of the previous two. I have seen several uncirculated pieces and perhaps twice as many AU's, but the grade most likely to be seen is only VF or EF.
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