DATE COMPARISON
PCGS MS64+
- PCGS #:
- 8158
- Designer:
- Robert Scot & John Reich
- Edge:
- Reeded
- Diameter:
- 23.80 millimeters
- Weight:
- 8.75 grams
- Mintage:
- 193,630
- Mint:
- Philadelphia
- Metal:
- 91.7% Gold, 8.3% Copper
- Auction Record:
- $192,000 • MS65 • 09-04-2025 • Stack's Bowers
Rarity and Survival Estimates Learn More
| Survival Estimate | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | 21 |
| 60 or Better | 12 |
| 65 or Better | 2 |
| Numismatic Rarity | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | R-9.0 |
| 60 or Better | R-9.5 |
| 65 or Better | R-9.9 |
| Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | 3 / 9 TIE |
| 60 or Better | 4 / 9 |
| 65 or Better | 1 / 9 TIE |
| Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | 14 / 42 TIE |
| 60 or Better | 15 / 42 TIE |
| 65 or Better | 3 / 42 TIE |
Condition Census What Is This?
|
#1 MS65 PCGS grade
Benson Collection, Part II - Goldbergs 2/2002:2000 - American Numismatic Rarities 5/2005:366, $150,000 |
#2 MS64+ PCGS grade
Superior 5/2001:4049, not sold - High Desert Collection (PCGS Set Registry) |
|
#3 MS64+ PCGS grade
Naftzger - Pogue |
| #3 MS64 PCGS grade |
| #3 MS64 estimated grade |
| #3 MS64 estimated grade |
| #7 MS63 PCGS grade |
| #7 MS63 PCGS grade |
| #7 MS63 estimated grade |
| #7 MS63 estimated grade |
The 1833 Half Eagle is a very rare coin, due in part to a low initial mintage but due mostly to the destruction of many examples whenever the value of the gold in the coin exceeded its face value. Both Small Date and Large Date varieties are known for this year. Apart from their size difference, the two varieties are most easily attributed simply by looking at the 8 of the date. On the Small Date, the 8 is a "script" 8 with a diagonal center bar. On the Large Date, the 8 is a "block" 8 with a horizontal center bar. Based on the PCGS Population Report, the Small Date is approximately twice as rare as the Large Date. All except one of the examples certified by PCGS as of May 2011 are Mint State, ranging in grade from MS-61 to a gem MS-65. This indicates that most of the surviving examples are coins that were set aside by collectors.
Although the 1833 is a very rare coin, particularly in gem condition, it is possibly the commonest coin of this type unless one combines the varieties of 1830 or 1834. There are two different sized dates for 1833 but the differences are rather slight and past cataloguers have generally made no distinction between the date sizes over the years. Almost all known examples are AU or Unc as the auction data clearly shows.