1881 50C (Proof)

Series: Liberty Seated Half Dollars 1839-1891

PCGS PR67

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PCGS PR67

PCGS #:: 6442

Designer:: Thomas Sully/Christian Gobrecht

Edge:: Reeded

Diameter:: 30.00 millimeters

Weight:: 12.50 grams

Mintage:: 975

Mint:: Philadelphia

Metal:: 90% Silver, 10% Copper

Auction Record:: $17,308 • PR68 • 09-21-2006 • American Numismatic Rarities

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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	900	R-5.2	21 / 25 TIE	51 / 55 TIE
60 or Better	850	R-5.3	21 / 25 TIE	51 / 55 TIE
65 or Better	80	R-8.2	13 / 25 TIE	38 / 55 TIE

Survival Estimate
All Grades	900
60 or Better	850
65 or Better	80

Numismatic Rarity
All Grades	R-5.2
60 or Better	R-5.3
65 or Better	R-8.2

Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type
All Grades	21 / 25 TIE
60 or Better	21 / 25 TIE
65 or Better	13 / 25 TIE

Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series
All Grades	51 / 55 TIE
60 or Better	51 / 55 TIE
65 or Better	38 / 55 TIE

Condition Census What Is This?

Pos	Grade	Pedigree and History
1	PR67 PCGS grade	“Chrismor” Collection (PCGS Set registry)q - D.L. Hansen Collection
1	PR67 PCGS grade	Heritage 4/2012:4952, $9,488 - “Perfection 8” Collection (PCGS Set Registry)
1	PR67 PCGS grade	Blue Moon Collection, Part I - Stack's/Bowers 3/2017:2099, $7,050
1	PR67 PCGS grade
1	PR67 estimated grade	American Numismatic Rarities 7/2003:484, $11,500 - American Numismatic Rarities 9/2006:337, $17,308 - Pinnacle Rarities, sold privately in 9/2006 - Eugene H. Gardner Collection, Part III - Heritage 5/2015:98512, $9,400 - Heritage 12/2015:3199, $8,518.75
6	PR66 PCGS grade
6	PR66 PCGS grade
6	PR66 PCGS grade
6	PR66 PCGS grade
6	PR66 PCGS grade

#1 PR67 PCGS grade

“Chrismor” Collection (PCGS Set registry)q - D.L. Hansen Collection

#1 PR67 PCGS grade

Heritage 4/2012:4952, $9,488 - “Perfection 8” Collection (PCGS Set Registry)

#1 PR67 PCGS grade

Blue Moon Collection, Part I - Stack's/Bowers 3/2017:2099, $7,050

#1 PR67 PCGS grade

#1 PR67 estimated grade

American Numismatic Rarities 7/2003:484, $11,500 - American Numismatic Rarities 9/2006:337, $17,308 - Pinnacle Rarities, sold privately in 9/2006 - Eugene H. Gardner Collection, Part III - Heritage 5/2015:98512, $9,400 - Heritage 12/2015:3199, $8,518.75

#6 PR66 PCGS grade

Ron Guth:

After topping out at 1,355 Proofs in the previous year, the mintage of Proof Half Dollars returned to a more normal number (975 pieces). The mintage of circulation strike Half Dollars in 1881 was also small -- a mere 10,000 pieces. Thus, any example of an 1881 Half Dollar -- Mint State or Proof -- is in high demand. Because the quality of the Proofs made in 1881 is somewhat lacking, it is difficult to tell a Prooflike early strike from a true Proof, therefore we recommend certification to confirm status. About a third of all Proof 1881 Half Dollars show Cameo contrast. Deep Cameo Proofs are extremely rare, in keeping with virtually all of the previous dates.