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.
P. Scott Rubin:
The Proof Gold Dollar of 1875 is a very rare coin in a year of rare gold Philadelphia Mint issued coinage. With a mintage of only 20 Gold Proof Sets this would make it a difficult year to collect.
Confusing the issue of how many 1875 Proof Gold Dollars were available to collectors was pointed out by David Akers, who noted that for many years a number of the circulation issue coins were believed to be Proofs. This was because at only 400 minted a number of the survivors were first strike proof-like coins.
To highlight Aker’s point of view from the 1880’s until the 1950’s the availability of 1875 Gold Dollars showed a two to one ratio with more Proofs sold at auction then circulation strikes. By the 1960’s they were about evenly available, but since then the numbers reversed themselves and the ratio is now four to one with the circulation strikes more available then the Proofs.
It would seem that by the 1970’s dealers and collectors alike had learned how to differentiate between an 1875 Gold Dollar struck as a Proof and one struck for circulation. Aker’s points to the discovery that circulation strikes have a spike coming off the neck of Liberty as the easy way to tell the difference.
A PCGS Proof-66 Deep Cameo graded 1875 Gold Dollar Sold at the Heritage 2013 FUN Platinum Night Auction as lot 5799 for $61,687.50 the current highest price at auction as of June, 2014.
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