1855 $5 AU53 Certification #20305557, PCGS #8261

CoinFacts Details

Expert Comments

David Akers (1975/88)

Like many other Philadelphia Mint Half Eagles of the 1840's and 1850's the 1855 is often considered to be a relatively common date. It certainly is not, however, and while not exactly a great rarity in the lower grades, it is rare in AU or uncirculated condition. Choice or gem quality mint state pieces are particularly difficult to locate. The 1855 is similar in overall rarity to the 1851 and 1853 and is decidedly more rare than the 1843, 1847, 1852 or 1861.

PCGS #

8261

Designer

Christian Gobrecht

Edge

Reeded

Diameter

21.65 millimeters

Weight

8.36 grams

Mintage

117098

Metal

90% Gold, 10% Copper

Pop Higher

Pop Lower

128

Region

The United States of America

Price Guide

PCGS Population

Auctions - PCGS Graded

Auctions - 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.
65 or Better	250	R-6.6	68 / 112 TIE	103 / 218 TIE
All Grades	25	R-9.0	89 / 112 TIE	120 / 218 TIE
60 or Better	0	R-10.1	1 / 112	1 / 218

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.
65 or Better	250
All Grades	25
60 or Better	0

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.
65 or Better	R-6.6
All Grades	R-9.0
60 or Better	R-10.1

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.
65 or Better	68 / 112 TIE
All Grades	89 / 112 TIE
60 or Better	1 / 112

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.
65 or Better	103 / 218 TIE
All Grades	120 / 218 TIE
60 or Better	1 / 218

Condition Census Learn More

Pos	Grade	Pedigree and History
1	MS64+ PCGS grade	“Summer97” Collection
1	MS64+ PCGS grade	Stack's/Bowers 11/2015:20115, not sold
1	MS64+ PCGS grade
4	MS64 PCGS grade
4	MS64 PCGS grade

#1 MS64+ PCGS grade

“Summer97” Collection

#1 MS64+ PCGS grade

Stack's/Bowers 11/2015:20115, not sold

#1 MS64+ PCGS grade

#4 MS64 PCGS grade