1878 $2.50 (Proof)

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

PCGS PR62

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ex Trompeter collection

PCGS PR55

PCGS #:: 7904

Designer:: Christian Gobrecht

Edge:: Reeded

Diameter:: 18.00 millimeters

Weight:: 4.18 grams

Mintage:: 20

Mint:: Philadelphia

Metal:: 90% Gold, 10% Copper

Auction Record:: $29,700 • PR63 • 05-01-1998 • David Akers

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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	12	R-9.5	13 / 60	13 / 60
60 or Better	11	R-9.5	13 / 60 TIE	13 / 60 TIE
65 or Better	3	R-9.8	11 / 60 TIE	11 / 60 TIE

Survival Estimate
All Grades	12
60 or Better	11
65 or Better	3

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

Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type
All Grades	13 / 60
60 or Better	13 / 60 TIE
65 or Better	11 / 60 TIE

Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series
All Grades	13 / 60
60 or Better	13 / 60 TIE
65 or Better	11 / 60 TIE

Condition Census What Is This?

Pos	Grade	Image	Pedigree and History
1	PR64 PCGS grade
2	PR64 estimated grade

#1 PR64 PCGS grade

#2 PR64 estimated grade

David Akers (1975/88): Proofs are extremely rare and the 1878 is, in fact, the rarest post-1859 quarter eagle in proof. At least I know of fewer examples of this date than of any other proof after 1859. I would estimate that only half a dozen or so remain in unimpaired condition, most of which are impounded in museums or prominent collections. Note: All 1878 proof gold is extremely rare even though the reported mintage is similar to that for some other years. Perhaps some of the sets were not sold and were subsequently melted.