After a one-year hiatus, production of double eagles at the San Francisco Mint resumed in 1887. The 1887-S has the lowest mintage figure for any Type Three issue from this facility. It is among the toughest Type Three issues from San Francisco in terms of its overall rarity and one of the hardest to find in premium grades as well.

Expert’s Corner: 1887-S Double Eagle

If you are a long-time customer, you are aware that we “discovered” this date around fifteen years ago and have watched it increase in price in MS62. There are still a number of other dates with great rarity factors in the Type Three series that are ready to be “discovered” as well.

Most examples show some weakness of strike on the obverse. The hair of Liberty is often fairly well defined, but the stars and the date numerals can be softly impressed; the latter on the 88. The reverse tends to be better struck with the feathers and the wing tips both showing nearly complete detail. The surfaces are nearly always liberally abraded with the obverse, in particular, showing clusters of deep marks in the fields. There are sometimes mint-made copper spots on the surfaces, as well, but these are not considered detracting. 

1887-S Double Eagle – Luster, Coloration, and Eye Appeal

The luster is excellent with high grade pieces showing a rich, frosty texture. The coloration of uncleaned pieces is sometimes a very pleasing deep rose green hue, including an occasional band of deeper green-gold toning around the obverse periphery. There are a limited number of very attractive 1887-S double eagles known, but most are “choppy” and have a substandard appearance. Coins with good eye appeal are scarce and worth a premium.