After seven years of minuscule mintage figures, production of double eagles at the Philadelphia Mint increased dramatically in 1888. This is one of only three Philadelphia issues from this decade (the 1880 and 1889 are the others) which is relatively easy to obtain in lower grades.

Expert’s Corner: 1888 Double Eagle

This date tends to be over looked due to the extreme rarity of many of the P mint issues from the 1880s. Due to this fact, I think it remains a good value in MS62 and higher grades. It is a date that should definitely be on the watch list of any collector who appreciates good value.

For some unknown reason, the 1888 is harder to find with a good quality of strike than some of the other Philadelphia issues from the 1880s. The obverse is often weak on the top of the hair and on the bun of Liberty. The obverse stars are sometimes not fully formed at the centers, and the date numerals can show weakness at the top(s). The reverse is generally better detailed although the wing tips are often weakly struck. On nearly every known 1888 double eagle, the surfaces show extensive marks. The luster tends to be above-average, and higher quality pieces may have a nice, frosty texture. The coloration on uncleaned pieces is a medium orange-gold hue. The level of eye appeal is not very high due to the fact that so many examples are heavily abraded. There are a small number of clean, attractive pieces that are quite scarce, with a strong premium paid over “typical” examples.

1888 Double Eagle Proof Mintage of 102, and Extreme Rarity

A small number of 1888 double eagles are known with significant doubling on the reverse
letters. It is a legitimate double die that appears to be rare. If this variety becomes well-recognized by both grading services, it is possible that it may one day command a premium over coins with a normal reverse.

There were 102 proof 1888 double eagles struck. An estimated 35 or so are known today with most in the PR63 to PR64 range.

The 1888 is readily available in MS60 to MS61 grades. It is very scarce in MS63 and extremely rare in MS64, with probably no more than 10 to 15 known. I only know of five that have ever been graded MS65 by PCGS and NGC combined.