1871-S $2.50 (Regular Strike)

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

PCGS MS65+

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PCGS MS65

PCGS MS64+

PCGS #:: 7814

Designer:: Christian Gobrecht

Edge:: Reeded

Diameter:: 18.00 millimeters

Weight:: 4.18 grams

Mintage:: 22,000

Mint:: San Francisco

Metal:: 90% Gold, 10% Copper

Auction Record:: $20,125 • MS66 • 06-02-2005 • Heritage Auctions

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Major Varieties

1871-S $2.50

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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	225	R-6.7	82 / 147 TIE	82 / 147 TIE
60 or Better	12	R-9.5	57 / 147 TIE	57 / 147 TIE
65 or Better	3	R-9.8	27 / 147 TIE	27 / 147 TIE

Survival Estimate
All Grades	225
60 or Better	12
65 or Better	3

Numismatic Rarity
All Grades	R-6.7
60 or Better	R-9.5
65 or Better	R-9.8

Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type
All Grades	82 / 147 TIE
60 or Better	57 / 147 TIE
65 or Better	27 / 147 TIE

Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series
All Grades	82 / 147 TIE
60 or Better	57 / 147 TIE
65 or Better	27 / 147 TIE

Condition Census What Is This?

Pos	Grade	Pedigree and History
1	MS66 PCGS grade	Heritage 7/2005:7580, $20,125
2	MS65 PCGS grade	Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection - Bowers & Merena 10/1999:572, $13,800 - Bowers & Merena 1/2002:622, $11,500
2	MS65 PCGS grade
4	MS64 PCGS grade
4	MS64 PCGS grade
4	MS64 estimated grade
4	MS64 estimated grade
4	MS64 estimated grade
9	MS63 PCGS grade
9	MS63 PCGS grade

#1 MS66 PCGS grade

Heritage 7/2005:7580, $20,125

#2 MS65 PCGS grade

Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection - Bowers & Merena 10/1999:572, $13,800 - Bowers & Merena 1/2002:622, $11,500

#2 MS65 PCGS grade

#4 MS64 PCGS grade

#4 MS64 estimated grade

#9 MS63 PCGS grade

David Akers (1975/88): The 1871-S is a scarce date, particularly so in choice condition. However, it is not as difficult to obtain in full mint state as the other early S Mint quarter eagles prior to 1877. All specimens that I have seen are weakly struck on the eagle's right leg, but are generally more well struck on the obverse than most other San Francisco Mint quarter eagles. Nevertheless, this date is underrated and underpriced, although not as much so as some other dates in the series which are virtually unobtainable in full Unc.