1889 50C (Regular Strike)

Series: Liberty Seated Half Dollars 1839-1891

PCGS MS67

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PCGS MS66+

PCGS MS66

PCGS #:: 6371

Designer:: Thomas Sully/Christian Gobrecht

Edge:: Reeded

Diameter:: 30.00 millimeters

Weight:: 12.50 grams

Mintage:: 12,000

Mint:: Philadelphia

Metal:: 90% Silver, 10% Copper

Auction Record:: $11,163 • MS67 • 02-04-2016 • Heritage Auctions

ShowHide Related Coins and Varieties (2)

Major Varieties

1889 50C

Die Varieties

1889 50C WB-101

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PCGS Population

Auctions - PCGS Graded

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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	1,300	R-4.8	36 / 45 TIE	99 / 126 TIE
60 or Better	200	R-7.0	31 / 45 TIE	101 / 126 TIE
65 or Better	45	R-8.6	31 / 45 TIE	90 / 126 TIE

Survival Estimate
All Grades	1,300
60 or Better	200
65 or Better	45

Numismatic Rarity
All Grades	R-4.8
60 or Better	R-7.0
65 or Better	R-8.6

Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type
All Grades	36 / 45 TIE
60 or Better	31 / 45 TIE
65 or Better	31 / 45 TIE

Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series
All Grades	99 / 126 TIE
60 or Better	101 / 126 TIE
65 or Better	90 / 126 TIE

Condition Census What Is This?

Pos	Grade	Pedigree and History
1	MS66+ PCGS grade
2	MS66 PCGS grade	Dick Osburn Collection - Stack's/Bowers 8/2011:7146, $6,900
2	MS66 PCGS grade
2	MS66 PCGS grade
2	MS66 PCGS grade
2	MS66 PCGS grade
2	MS66 PCGS grade
2	MS66 PCGS grade
2	MS66 PCGS grade
2	MS66 PCGS grade

#1 MS66+ PCGS grade

#2 MS66 PCGS grade

Dick Osburn Collection - Stack's/Bowers 8/2011:7146, $6,900

#2 MS66 PCGS grade

Ron Guth:

With a mintage of only 12,000 coins, the 1889 Half Dollar commands immediate attention. Fortunately, collectors put aside enough Mint State examples that they are not outrageously expensive today. Our experts believe that as many as two hundred Mint State examples have survived, though not all have been certified yet by PCGS. As with most Half Dollars of this era, the most frequently encountered Mint State grade is MS64, with smaller quantities below and above. At least a dozen MS66 examples are known, but none finer.