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.
The mintage of the 1866-S Motto is much greater than that of the 1866-S No Motto, but the auction data correctly shows that the two are very similar in overall rarity, although the No Motto coin is even more difficult to locate in high grade. Only one or two uncirculated examples of this issue are known and most specimens are VF or worse. The mintmark is very small and invariably weak and on the typical badly worn specimen it is sometimes barely visible.
PCGS is not responsible for the accuracy or authenticity of Ebay listings.