1859 $2.50 Old Reverse (Regular Strike)

Series: Liberty Head $2 1/2 1840-1907

PCGS MS64

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PCGS MS64

PCGS #:: 97788

Designer:: Christian Gobrecht

Edge:: Reeded

Diameter:: 18.00 millimeters

Weight:: 4.18 grams

Mintage:: 39,364

Mint:: Philadelphia

Metal:: 90% Gold, 10% Copper

Auction Record:: $46,000 • MS67 • 03-31-2011 • Stack's Bowers

ShowHide Related Coins and Varieties (2)

Major Varieties

1859 $2.50 New Reverse
1859 $2.50 Old Reverse

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Price Guide (USD)

PCGS Population

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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	75	R-8.2	19 / 147 TIE	19 / 147 TIE
60 or Better	10	R-9.5	57 / 147 TIE	57 / 147 TIE
65 or Better	1	R-10.0	1 / 147 TIE	1 / 147 TIE

Survival Estimate
All Grades	75
60 or Better	10
65 or Better	1

Numismatic Rarity
All Grades	R-8.2
60 or Better	R-9.5
65 or Better	R-10.0

Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type
All Grades	19 / 147 TIE
60 or Better	57 / 147 TIE
65 or Better	1 / 147 TIE

Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series
All Grades	19 / 147 TIE
60 or Better	57 / 147 TIE
65 or Better	1 / 147 TIE

Condition Census What Is This?

Pos	Grade	Pedigree and History
1	MS64 PCGS grade	Norweb Collection - Heritage 1/2016:6376, $8,812.50
1	MS64 PCGS grade	Heritage 11/2012:4779, $7,637.50
1	MS64 PCGS grade
4	MS63 PCGS grade	Heritage 3/2016:5042, $4,700
4	MS63 PCGS grade
4	MS63 PCGS grade
4	MS63 PCGS grade
4	MS63 PCGS grade
4	MS63 PCGS grade
4	MS63 PCGS grade

#1 MS64 PCGS grade

Norweb Collection - Heritage 1/2016:6376, $8,812.50

#1 MS64 PCGS grade

Heritage 11/2012:4779, $7,637.50

#1 MS64 PCGS grade

#4 MS63 PCGS grade

Heritage 3/2016:5042, $4,700

#4 MS63 PCGS grade

Gordon Wrubel: Quickfinder Notes: There is a very simple way to distinguish the Old Reverse from the New Reverse die. Just look at the "O" in "OF". The Old Reverse has an OVAL "O", and the New Reverse has a ROUND "O". The branch mint issues of Dahlonega and San Francisco (none were issued by the Charlotte Mint in 1859), all use the Old Reverse die. The 1861 Old Reverse is about twice as rare as the New Reverse and carries a hefty premium.