Low mintage and lower survivorship, perhaps as few as 500 coins remaining out of the 156,000 struck. Few if any individuals were interested in saving examples in 1870’s California, which was booming due to the recent completion of the Transcontinental Railroad. This seems fully original, although the surfaces are not absolutely “perfect”, showing a scuffy mark or two. Current (Feb, 2020) PCGS Pop of 13 in the grade, only 16 in AU 50 to 58, not a lot for a known better date coin after 30 years of PCGS certification. Auction results typically exceed posted Wholesale values, as these tend to appear infrequently given the low population of PCGS coins, and posted “retail” prices are a bit ludicrous. Recently, a PCGS XF-40 coin was being offered by a knowledgeable dealer for $450, or nearly 40% over the then posted PCGS Price Guide value (which has been adjusted upward since). PCGS CoinFacts suggests a value of $475, Greysheet CPG Retail of $533 - less my standard 5% discount for payment by check, your price is right in between. A couple of images of the coin taken prior to certification also included, as they show the actual color better.

PCGS 5493.45/38906183