The 1887 is the last of the three Type Three Liberty Head double eagles which were made only in the proof format. It has the highest mintage of these three and more examples are known than of the 1883 and 1884.

Expert’s Corner: 1887 Double Eagle

For the Type Three collector with a nearly unlimited coin budget, there is no accomplishment greater than assembling a complete set of high quality proofs from the proof-only years of 1883, 1884 and 1887. It will likely take three to five years to achieve this, but such a set is something that only such collectors as John Work Garrett, Byron Reed, Amon Carter, Ed Trompeter and Louis Eliasberg accomplished. Will you add your name to this list of numismatic greats?

The 1887 is a well-manufactured issue. Unlike the 1884, it doesn’t show any peculiarities which readily identify it (the 1884 is well-known for showing an area of mint-made discoloration on thethroat of Liberty).

1887 Proof Double Eagle – Diagnostics, Survival, and Rarity

All unimpaired 1887 double eagles display a good amount of contrast between the mirror fields and the frosted devices. The surfaces possess the peculiar“orange peel”finish which is characteristic of proof Liberty Head double eagles that were produced in the 1880s and, to some degree, in the 1890s. The coloration on uncleaned examples (and there are not many of these which remain) is a hazy orange-gold hue, and the toning on non-dipped pieces can be quite attractive.

The 1887 double eagle employs the same reverse die as that seen on 1886 proofs. This reverse can quickly be identified by a break in the tail feathers at the far right, near the arrow shafts. Another identifying mark is the design element below the beak where disconnection is due to excessive die polishing.

Despite a comparatively high mintage, this date is still very rare and it is likely that no more than 30-35 proofs are known. The high attrition rate can be accounted for by a number of pieces having been melted and others placed into circulation during the difficult economic times of the 1890s and the 1930s. Some coins may have even been turned in for cash during the United States government’s gold recall of 1933. The highest graded coin graded by PCGS or NGC is a single Proof 66 Ultra Cameo graded by NGC.