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):
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.
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