The 1877 Double Eagle is a numismatically significant coin as it is the first Philadelphia issue of this type. It is common in circulated grades and sometimes available in the lower uncirculated range.

Expert’s Corner: 1877 Double Eagle

I am very fond of this date because of its status as the first Philadelphia double eagle of
this type. I recommend it in MS62 and above and suggest you look for an example with nice color and luster and fewer marks than usual.
 
The quality of strike seen on this date varies from coin to coin. Some are found with good overall strikes. Others have weakness on the curls below the word LIBERTY as well as on the lower reverse. The surfaces are nearly always very heavily abraded, and these marks can be very detracting. This is the case with most of the early date Type Three issues, as they were often shipped from the mint in bags where they would make contact with other coins. On higher grade, uncleaned pieces (which are hard to find), the luster is very good with a thick, frosty texture. 

1877 Double Eagle Gold Coin Value, Rarity, and Survival Estimates

The 1877 Double Eagle is seen less often with semi-reflective or even fully proof-like finishes. The natural coloration is most often a rich orange-gold or a blend of rose and light to medium green-gold. Some are seen with mint-made copper spots, and these are not regarded as detracting as long as they are not too severe.

Only 20 proofs were struck. This is among the rarest proofs of this type with an estimated surviving population of between nine to twelve coins.

The 1877 double eagle is available in the MS60 to MS61 range, and it is moderately scarce in properly graded MS62 with only about 400 known. It is very rare in MS63. Only a few coins are known in MS64. To qualify as a Condition Census example, an 1877 double eagle must grade at least MS63.