Q. David Bowers
(6) Four-coin sets included a 1987-P Uncirculated dollar, a 1987-S Proof dollar, and Uncirculated and Proof examples of the 1987-W $5. These were first offered at $465. The price was later raised to $525. 89,258 sets were sold. Coins in plastic capsules were housed in a velvet-lined mahogany case and were accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. The case was enclosed in a navy blue cardboard box imprinted with a heraldic eagle.
(7) Single 1987-W $5 Proof coin, first offered at $200, later raised to $225. 118,644 were sold in this manner. Each coin in a plastic capsule was on a blue felt tray in a blue velvet presentation case with hinged lid, on which was mounted a plaque of a heraldic eagle; enclosed in a blue cardboard box and blue slipcover each imprinted with the Great Seal and "United States Constitution Coins."
(8) Single Uncirculated 1987-W $5 gold coin, $195, later raised to $215. 45,279 were distributed under this option. Many additional pieces were distributed through other options. Coins were packaged similarly to Option 7.
The official sales period for Constitution Bicentennial coins extended through June 30, 1988. Eventually 214,225 Uncirculated 1984-W Constitution Bicentennial $5 pieces and 651,659 Proofs were distributed. On April 27, 1989 the 1987-W Constitution Bicentennial $5 gold piece was selected as the "Most Historical Coin" at the Coin of the Year reception hosted by Krause Publications.
Collecting 1987-W Constitution Bicentennial $5 Gold Coins
Today 1987-W $5 gold coins are readily available in condition as issued. Proofs, minted in larger quantities, are seen with about three times the frequency of Uncirculated pieces.
Commemorating: 200th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution
Obverse motif: Eagle with quill pen
Reverse motif: Quill pen
Authorization date: October 29, 1986
Dates on coins: 1987 (also SEPT 17, 1787)
Dates when coins were actually minted: 1987-1988
Mint used: West Point
Maximum quantity authorized: 1,000,000
Total quantity minted: Information not released by the Mint
Quantity melted: Information not released by the Mint
Net number distributed: 214,225 Uncirculated; 651,659 Proof
Issued by: U.S. Mint, P.O. Box 13575 (also Box 13576), Philadelphia, PA 19101-3575 (orders filled by the Customer Service Center, The U.S. Mint, 10001 Aerospace Drive, Lanham, MD 20706)
Standard original packaging: Packaged in a velvet-lined blue box (or mahogany box as part of a four-coin set)
Official sale prices: Uncirculated $195 in advance (later, $215; also sold as part of other options-see text); Proof $200 in advance (later, $225; also sold as part of other options see text)
Designer of obverse: Marcel Jovine
Designer of reverse: Marcel Jovine
Interesting facts: This coin bears a day date of Sept. 17, 1787; both obverse and reverse designs utilized a quill pen.
(average market prices)
1990 (spring) MS-65 $115
1990 (December) MS-65 $105
(average market prices)
1990 (spring) Proof-65 $112
1990 (December) Proof-65 $103