1853 $5 (Regular Strike)

Series: Liberty Head $5 1839-1908

PCGS MS64+

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PCGS MS64+

PCGS MS64

PCGS #:: 8253

Designer:: Christian Gobrecht

Edge:: Reeded

Diameter:: 21.65 millimeters

Weight:: 8.36 grams

Mintage:: 305,770

Mint:: Philadelphia

Metal:: 90% Gold, 10% Copper

Auction Record:: $76,375 • MS66 • 02-13-2014 • Legend Rare Coin Auctions

ShowHide Related Coins and Varieties (2)

Major Varieties

1853 $5

Die Varieties

1853 $5 S.S. Central America #2 (with Pinch)

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Price Guide (USD)

PCGS Population

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Auctions - NGC Graded

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Current Auctions - NGC Graded

For Sale Now at Collectors Corner - PCGS Graded

For Sale Now at Collectors Corner - NGC Graded

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	550	R-5.9	103 / 112 TIE	145 / 218 TIE
60 or Better	75	R-8.2	98 / 112 TIE	137 / 218 TIE
65 or Better	0	R-10.1	1 / 112	1 / 218

Survival Estimate
All Grades	550
60 or Better	75
65 or Better

Numismatic Rarity
All Grades	R-5.9
60 or Better	R-8.2
65 or Better	R-10.1

Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type
All Grades	103 / 112 TIE
60 or Better	98 / 112 TIE
65 or Better	1 / 112

Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series
All Grades	145 / 218 TIE
60 or Better	137 / 218 TIE
65 or Better	1 / 218

Condition Census What Is This?

Pos	Grade	Pedigree and History
1	MS66 PCGS grade	Legend Rare Coin Auctions 2/2014:329, $76,375
2	MS65 PCGS grade	Stack's/Bowers 10/2014:10042, $38,187.50
3	MS64+ PCGS grade	Heritage 10/2015:3523, $15,862.50
3	MS64+ PCGS grade
5	MS64 estimated grade
6	MS63 PCGS grade
6	MS63 PCGS grade
6	MS63 PCGS grade
6	MS63 PCGS grade
6	MS63 PCGS grade

#1 MS66 PCGS grade

Legend Rare Coin Auctions 2/2014:329, $76,375

#2 MS65 PCGS grade

Stack's/Bowers 10/2014:10042, $38,187.50

#3 MS64+ PCGS grade

Heritage 10/2015:3523, $15,862.50

#3 MS64+ PCGS grade

#5 MS64 estimated grade

#6 MS63 PCGS grade

David Akers (1975/88): The "common date" status accorded this date by price guides is very misleading, particularly in AU or uncirculated condition. Moderately scarce in any grade, the 1853 is actually very rare in strictly uncirculated condition and virtually unobtainable in choice or gem condition. It is comparable in rarity to the 1851 and more rare than the 1843, 1847, 1852, or 1861, the only dates of this type that are available with any regularity in choice condition.