Lot 3308
1887 $5 Liberty. PCGS graded Proof 58. A Proof only year. Only 87 total coins minted for this very important date. Here is a lovely example for the connoisseur who demands rare dates. Because of its Proof-only stature, the 1887 half eagle has long been a favorite challenge to find. The limited number of offerings tends to excite interest in the date all the more. In the stormy period of the 1880s, the Mint produced only a handful of gold Proofs for sale to collectors each year. Instanced by this is the 1887 five dollar gold piece, no business strikes were made for purposes of a circulating coinage, at least at the Philadelphia Mint (there were 1887-S half eagles minted). This lovely toned example displays ample Proof glitter and reflectiveness on both sides. It shows only mild signs of handling. The firm strike confirms it as a Proof as well. Bidders need only brace themselves when the auction process begins, and firmly reject stepping out of the bidding until the final bid is called. Pop 1; 1 in 60, 1 in 63, 3 in 64, 1 in 65 (PCGS # 8482) .
Estimated Value $17,000 - 19,000.
|
| |
| Realized $19,550 |
