1863 $2.50 (Proof)

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

PCGS PR58

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PCGS #:: 7889

Designer:: Christian Gobrecht

Edge:: Reeded

Diameter:: 18.00 millimeters

Weight:: 4.18 grams

Mintage:: 30

Mint:: Philadelphia

Metal:: 90% Gold, 10% Copper

Auction Record:: $88,000 • GEM PR • 08-10-1990 • RARCOA

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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	20	R-9.1	20 / 60 TIE	20 / 60 TIE
60 or Better	18	R-9.2	20 / 60 TIE	20 / 60 TIE
65 or Better	5	R-9.7	21 / 60 TIE	21 / 60 TIE

Survival Estimate
All Grades	20
60 or Better	18
65 or Better	5

Numismatic Rarity
All Grades	R-9.1
60 or Better	R-9.2
65 or Better	R-9.7

Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type
All Grades	20 / 60 TIE
60 or Better	20 / 60 TIE
65 or Better	21 / 60 TIE

Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series
All Grades	20 / 60 TIE
60 or Better	20 / 60 TIE
65 or Better	21 / 60 TIE

Condition Census What Is This?

Pos	Grade	Image	Pedigree and History
1	PR65 PCGS grade
1	PR65 PCGS grade
3	PR64 PCGS grade
3	PR64 PCGS grade
3	PR64 PCGS grade
3	PR64 PCGS grade
7	PR63 PCGS grade
8	PR60 PCGS grade

#1 PR65 PCGS grade

#3 PR64 PCGS grade

#7 PR63 PCGS grade

#8 PR60 PCGS grade

Ron Guth:

The 1863 Quarter Eagle is extremely popular with collectors because it is a Proof-only issue and, thus, the only option available to anyone seeking a Quarter Eagle of this date from the Philadelphia Mint. With a mintage of only 30 examples, this date creates excitment whenever it appears on the market.

Probably half of the original mintage survives. I know of thirteen demonstrably different examples, including two circulated examples and two in the National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian Institution. Most examples are cameos, though there are several that were certified before PCGS recognized the Cameo designation and which would receive either a CAM or a DCAM designation upon re-examination.

The finest 1863 Quarter Eagle is a PCGS PR66DCAM which sold for a record price of $195,500 in 2012. It currently reposes in the Simpson Collection.

David Akers (1975/88): No quarter eagles were minted for general circulation at the Philadelphia Mint in 1863. However, 30 proofs were struck and so this is one of the rarest and most desirable of all Liberty Head quarter eagles. Actually, in proof, the 1863 has appeared at auction more often than any other quarter eagle of the 1860's. However, other dates are available in other conditions, and therefore, this date has attained a much higher price level than other proofs of this decade. Of the 30 proofs originally minted, I would estimate that no more than 10 to 12 remain in unimpaired state.