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 1876-S is one of the commonest of all S-Mint Liberty Head Double Eagles and it is easy to obtain in any grade from VF to average uncirculated (Unc-60). In choice mint state, however, it is very scarce and in MS-65 or better condition it is decidedly rare. As a date, the 1876-S is significantly less rare than the 1974-S or 1875-S and it is most comparable to such common later issues as the 1899-S and 1900-S. Like the 1875-CC which is relatively common, even in Unc., the 1876-S is higher priced than many of the rarer later issues only because it is a Type II and thus is in greater demand as a type coin. For example, the 1876-S is not as rare in Unc. as the 1877-S through 1882-S San Francisco Mint issues and yet an uncirculated 1876-S would probably bring more at auction than a mint state example of the others.
Ron Guth:
The 1876-S $20 was well-represented in the Saddle Ridge Hoard by twenty-seven examples, all of which were gradeable except for a single coin. The three best coins in this group graded out at PCGS MS64, which tied them with a dozen other examples for Third Finest.
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