1879-S $2.50 (Regular Strike)

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

PCGS MS64+

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PCGS MS63

PCGS MS62

PCGS #:: 7831

Designer:: Christian Gobrecht

Edge:: Reeded

Diameter:: 18.00 millimeters

Weight:: 4.18 grams

Mintage:: 43,500

Mint:: San Francisco

Metal:: 90% Gold, 10% Copper

Auction Record:: $20,001 • MS64+ • 08-05-2014 • Heritage Auctions

ShowHide Related Coins and Varieties (2)

Major Varieties

1879-S $2.50
1879-S $2.50, PL

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Price Guide (USD)

PCGS Population

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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	500	R-6.0	109 / 147 TIE	109 / 147 TIE
60 or Better	14	R-9.4	74 / 147 TIE	74 / 147 TIE
65 or Better	0	R-10.1	1 / 147	1 / 147

Survival Estimate
All Grades	500
60 or Better	14
65 or Better

Numismatic Rarity
All Grades	R-6.0
60 or Better	R-9.4
65 or Better	R-10.1

Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type
All Grades	109 / 147 TIE
60 or Better	74 / 147 TIE
65 or Better	1 / 147

Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series
All Grades	109 / 147 TIE
60 or Better	74 / 147 TIE
65 or Better	1 / 147

Condition Census What Is This?

Pos	Grade	Image	Pedigree and History
1	MS64 PCGS grade
2	MS63 PCGS grade
2	MS63 PCGS grade
2	MS63 estimated grade
5	MS62 PCGS grade
5	MS62 PCGS grade
5	MS62 PCGS grade
5	MS62 estimated grade
5	MS62 estimated grade
10	MS61 PCGS grade

#1 MS64 PCGS grade

#2 MS63 PCGS grade

#2 MS63 estimated grade

#5 MS62 PCGS grade

#5 MS62 estimated grade

#10 MS61 PCGS grade

David Akers (1975/88): The last year of quarter eagle coinage at the San Francisco Mint. Although not a great rarity, the 1879-S is certainly more scarce than most people realize. Its 61 auction appearances in our 226 catalogue auction survey give it a higher rarity rating than many other dates in this series with much bigger reputations and/or lower mintages. Although reasonably available in lower grades, choice uncirculated specimens are surprisingly difficult to obtain.