1859-S $2.50 (Regular Strike)

Series: Liberty Head $2 1/2 1840-1907

PCGS MS65

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PCGS MS64

PCGS MS61

PCGS #:: 7790

Designer:: Christian Gobrecht

Edge:: Reeded

Diameter:: 18.00 millimeters

Weight:: 4.18 grams

Mintage:: 15,200

Mint:: San Francisco

Metal:: 90% Gold, 10% Copper

Auction Record:: $23,100 • MS64 • 08-12-1996 • Bowers & Merena

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1859-S $2.50

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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	85	R-8.1	27 / 147 TIE	27 / 147 TIE
60 or Better	5	R-9.7	27 / 147 TIE	27 / 147 TIE
65 or Better	0	R-10.1	1 / 147	1 / 147

Survival Estimate
All Grades	85
60 or Better	5
65 or Better

Numismatic Rarity
All Grades	R-8.1
60 or Better	R-9.7
65 or Better	R-10.1

Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type
All Grades	27 / 147 TIE
60 or Better	27 / 147 TIE
65 or Better	1 / 147

Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series
All Grades	27 / 147 TIE
60 or Better	27 / 147 TIE
65 or Better	1 / 147

Condition Census What Is This?

Pos	Grade	Image	Pedigree and History
1	MS65 PCGS grade
2	MS64 PCGS grade
2	MS64 estimated grade
4	MS63 PCGS grade
4	MS63 PCGS grade
6	MS62 PCGS grade
6	MS62 estimated grade
8	MS61 PCGS grade
8	MS61 PCGS grade
8	MS61 PCGS grade

#1 MS65 PCGS grade

#2 MS64 PCGS grade

#2 MS64 estimated grade

#4 MS63 PCGS grade

#6 MS62 PCGS grade

#6 MS62 estimated grade

#8 MS61 PCGS grade

David Akers (1975/88): The 1859-S is one of the many underrated dates in the quarter eagle series. As the auction records show, high grade examples are very rare. I have seen only two strictly uncirculated pieces, the finest being one that Paramount sold several years ago, a full MS-65 coin. Actually, there are not very many around in any grade, and this is one of the real "sleepers" in the series. Note: the 1859-S and 1859-D do not have the modified reverse that appears on the 1859 Philadelphia Mint quarter eagle, but rather use the old reverse with the larger letters and heavier arrows that was used from 1840 to 1858.