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):
In proof, the 1861 is possibly the rarest date after 1858. It is more rare than the 1859, 1865, 1868, 1874, 1875 or the famous proof-only 1883 and 1884. The only proof I have ever seen offered for sale was the coin in Kagin's "Sale of the 70's" in 1973 that realized $38,000. In my opinion, only six or seven proofs are known. Since 66 proofs were struck, it is probable that most of them were not sold and were later melted.
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