1861 $2.50 Old Reverse (Regular Strike)

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

PCGS MS64+

View More Images

REVERSE COMPARISON

PCGS MS64+

PCGS #:: 97794

Designer:: Christian Gobrecht

Edge:: Reeded

Diameter:: 18.00 millimeters

Weight:: 4.18 grams

Mintage:: 1,283,788

Mint:: Philadelphia

Metal:: 90% Gold, 10% Copper

Auction Record:: $14,999 • MS66 • 12-08-2004 • Heritage Auctions

ShowHide Related Coins and Varieties (2)

Major Varieties

1861 $2.50 New Reverse
1861 $2.50 Old Reverse

Go To Grade

Price Guide (USD)

PCGS Population

Auctions - PCGS Graded

Auctions - NGC Graded

Current Auctions - PCGS Graded

Current Auctions - NGC Graded

For Sale Now at Collectors Corner - PCGS Graded

For Sale Now at Collectors Corner - NGC Graded

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	100	R-8.0	32 / 147 TIE	32 / 147 TIE
60 or Better	20	R-9.1	87 / 147 TIE	87 / 147 TIE
65 or Better	4	R-9.8	27 / 147 TIE	27 / 147 TIE

Survival Estimate
All Grades	100
60 or Better	20
65 or Better	4

Numismatic Rarity
All Grades	R-8.0
60 or Better	R-9.1
65 or Better	R-9.8

Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type
All Grades	32 / 147 TIE
60 or Better	87 / 147 TIE
65 or Better	27 / 147 TIE

Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series
All Grades	32 / 147 TIE
60 or Better	87 / 147 TIE
65 or Better	27 / 147 TIE

Condition Census What Is This?

Pos	Grade	Pedigree and History
1	MS66 PCGS grade
2	MS65 PCGS grade
2	MS65 estimated grade
4	MS64 PCGS grade
4	MS64 PCGS grade
4	MS64 estimated grade
7	MS63 PCGS grade	Heritage 1/2009:5237
7	MS63 PCGS grade
7	MS63 PCGS grade
7	MS63 PCGS grade

#1 MS66 PCGS grade

#2 MS65 PCGS grade

#2 MS65 estimated grade

#4 MS64 PCGS grade

#4 MS64 estimated grade

#7 MS63 PCGS grade

Heritage 1/2009:5237

#7 MS63 PCGS grade

Gordon Wrubel: Quickfinder Notes: There is a simple way to distinguish the Old Reverse die from the New Reverse die. Just look at the "O" in "OF". The Old Reverse has an OVAL "O", while the New Reverse has a ROUND "O". The branch mint issue of San Francisco uses the Old Reverse die (none were minted at Charlotte or Dahlonega in 1861). The 1861 Old Reverse issue is very rare compared to the New Reverse and carries a hefty premium.