1878 $20 (Regular Strike)

Series: Liberty Head $20 1850-1907

PCGS MS64

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PCGS MS64

PCGS #:: 8985

Designer:: James Barton Longacre

Edge:: Reeded

Diameter:: 34.00 millimeters

Weight:: 33.40 grams

Mintage:: 543,625

Mint:: Philadelphia

Metal:: 90% Gold, 10% Copper

Auction Record:: $52,800 • MS64 • 03-21-2018 • Stack's Bowers

ShowHide Related Coins and Varieties (2)

Major Varieties

1878 $20
1878 $20, PL

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Price Guide (USD)

PCGS Population

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For Sale Now at Collectors Corner - PCGS Graded

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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	6,575	R-3.6	34 / 73	104 / 148
60 or Better	725	R-5.5	28 / 73	93 / 148
65 or Better	0	R-10.1	1 / 73	1 / 148

Survival Estimate
All Grades	6,575
60 or Better	725
65 or Better

Numismatic Rarity
All Grades	R-3.6
60 or Better	R-5.5
65 or Better	R-10.1

Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type
All Grades	34 / 73
60 or Better	28 / 73
65 or Better	1 / 73

Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series
All Grades	104 / 148
60 or Better	93 / 148
65 or Better	1 / 148

Condition Census What Is This?

Pos	Grade	Pedigree and History
1	MS64 PCGS grade	Heritage 12/2010:4643, $23,000
1	MS64 PCGS grade	Legend Rare Coin Auctions 7/2017:501, $37,600
1	MS64 PCGS grade
1	MS64 PCGS grade
1	MS64 PCGS grade
1	MS64 PCGS grade
1	MS64 PCGS grade
1	MS64 PCGS grade
9	MS63+ PCGS grade
9	MS63+ PCGS grade

#1 MS64 PCGS grade

Heritage 12/2010:4643, $23,000

#1 MS64 PCGS grade

Legend Rare Coin Auctions 7/2017:501, $37,600

#1 MS64 PCGS grade

#9 MS63+ PCGS grade

David Akers (1975/88): Despite its substantially higher mintage, the 1878 is essentially identical with respect to both overall rarity and condition rarity to the 1877. It is also very similar in overall rarity to the 1854 and 1860 although it is not quite as rare as either, especially the 1854, in full mint state. The 1878 is not deserving of "common date" status. Choice and gem uncirculated examples do exist but they are surprisingly rare.