Lot 1664
1887 $10 Liberty. NGC graded Proof 67 Ultra Cameo. Star. Only 80 Proofs struck. Nice light golden toning. The finest graded 1887 Proof $10 Gold. The year 1887 was one where the Philadelphia Mint was devoting full attention in minting minor coinage and silver dollars. Regarding the 1887 Eagle, the Breen Proof Encyclopedia lists these characteristics: "Date slants up, 7 much farther from border than 1, left base of 1 about over left edge [of a dentil]; four stripes thin, feathers attenuated below second. (On business strikes date is centered and level.)"
As is known, the 1887 Proof mintage consists of 80 coins (presumably sold in gold Proof sets as well as a few pieces sold individually). Possibly 15 to 20 survive. Another 53,600 business strikes were produced, a small mintage in and by itself.
The present incredible PR67 Ultra Cameo specimen clearly shows the "Star" criteria points: fields are deep in their incredible reflectivity, plus there is a full overlay of mint frost on the devices. Strike is needle-sharp, and well defined in all areas. There are no flaws noted on this remarkable 1887 Proof. No coppery stains. Only gleaming "orange peel" originality and brilliance. This example is without argument the finest graded and the only PR67 per the listed census which follows. Deserves illustration in all the popular numismatic publications as the epitome of 19th century Proof beauty! Pop 1; none finer at either service. Recently added to the census (PCGS # 98827) .
Estimated Value $90,000 - 100,000.
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| Realized $120,750 |
