1888-S $5 (Regular Strike)

Series: Liberty Head $5 1839-1908

PCGS MS64

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PCGS MS64

PCGS MS63

PCGS #:: 8373

Designer:: Christian Gobrecht

Edge:: Reeded

Diameter:: 21.65 millimeters

Weight:: 8.36 grams

Mintage:: 293,900

Mint:: San Francisco

Metal:: 90% Gold, 10% Copper

Auction Record:: $5,290 • MS63 • 09-01-1999 • Heritage Auctions

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Major Varieties

1888-S $5

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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	1,000	R-5.0	56 / 106 TIE	167 / 218 TIE
60 or Better	60	R-8.4	38 / 106	135 / 218
65 or Better	0	R-10.1	1 / 106	1 / 218

Survival Estimate
All Grades	1,000
60 or Better	60
65 or Better

Numismatic Rarity
All Grades	R-5.0
60 or Better	R-8.4
65 or Better	R-10.1

Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type
All Grades	56 / 106 TIE
60 or Better	38 / 106
65 or Better	1 / 106

Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series
All Grades	167 / 218 TIE
60 or Better	135 / 218
65 or Better	1 / 218

Condition Census What Is This?

Pos	Grade	Image	Pedigree and History
1	MS63 PCGS grade
1	MS63 PCGS grade
1	MS63 PCGS grade
1	MS63 PCGS grade
1	MS63 PCGS grade
1	MS63 PCGS grade
7	MS62 PCGS grade
7	MS62 PCGS grade
7	MS62 PCGS grade
7	MS62 PCGS grade

#1 MS63 PCGS grade

#7 MS62 PCGS grade

David Akers (1975/88): Undoubtedly because of the "common date" status of the other S Mint Half Eagles of the 1880's (except for the 1883-S and 1884-S which are also underrated), the 1888-S is generally regarded as a common date as well. As the auction data shows, however, it is not at all common and is actually very scarce in all grades and surprisingly rare in strictly uncirculated condition. I have seen only a few mint state pieces and consider this date to be very rare and undervalued. The 1888-S is much more rare in high grades than either the 1883-S or 1884-S and is as rare and equally unappreciated as the rare S Mint Half Eagles from 1895-1897.