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 1888-S is essentially equal in both population rarity and condition rarity to the 1885-S. It is also similar in overall rarity to the 1879-S, 1882-S, 1892-S, 1893-S, 1901-S and 1905-S although it is not as rare as the first two in high grade. The 1888-S cannot really be called scarce in the circulated grades but Unc-60 specimens are moderately scarce. Choice mint state examples are very scarce and true gems are unquestionably rare.
Ron Guth:
The Saddle Ridge Hoard of gold coins, discovered in northern California in 2013, contained sixty-two 1888-S Double Eagles, including seven Mint State examples. The best coins of this group were six MS64s.
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