1887 $5 (Proof)

Series: Liberty Head $5 1839-1907

PCGS PR64+

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PCGS PR63

PCGS PR55

PCGS #:: 8482

Designer:: Christian Gobrecht

Edge:: Reeded

Diameter:: 21.65 millimeters

Weight:: 8.36 grams

Mintage:: 87

Mint:: Philadelphia

Metal:: 90% Gold, 10% Copper

Auction Record:: $99,875 • PR65 • 10-18-2012 • Heritage Auctions

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Rarity and Survival Estimates Learn More

Grades	Survival Estimate The Survival Estimate represents an average of one or more experts' opinions as to how many examples survive of a particular coin in three categories: 1) all grades, 2) 60 or better, and 3) 65 or better. These estimates are based on a variety of sources, including population reports, auction appearances, and personal knowledge. Survival estimates include coins that are raw, certified by PCGS, and certified by other grading services.	Numismatic Rarity Numismatic Rarity converts the Survival Estimate for a particular coin into a number from 1 to 10 (with decimal increments) based on the PCGS Rarity Scale. The higher the number, the more rare the coin.	Relative Rarity By Type Relative Rarity By Type ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Type. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.	Relative Rarity By Series Relative Rarity By Series ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Series. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.
All Grades	45	R-8.6	25 / 42	43 / 60
60 or Better	35	R-8.8	22 / 42 TIE	40 / 60 TIE
65 or Better	8	R-9.6	21 / 42 TIE	30 / 60 TIE

Survival Estimate
All Grades	45
60 or Better	35
65 or Better	8

Numismatic Rarity
All Grades	R-8.6
60 or Better	R-8.8
65 or Better	R-9.6

Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type
All Grades	25 / 42
60 or Better	22 / 42 TIE
65 or Better	21 / 42 TIE

Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series
All Grades	43 / 60
60 or Better	40 / 60 TIE
65 or Better	30 / 60 TIE

Condition Census What Is This?

Pos	Grade	Pedigree and History
1	PR64 PCGS grade
1	PR64 PCGS grade
3	PR63 PCGS grade	Heritage 1/2015:4299, $39,950
3	PR63 estimated grade
5	PR60 PCGS grade
6	PR58 PCGS grade
6	PR58 estimated grade
8	PR55 PCGS grade
8	PR55 PCGS grade
8	PR55 PCGS grade

#1 PR64 PCGS grade

#3 PR63 PCGS grade

Heritage 1/2015:4299, $39,950

#3 PR63 estimated grade

#5 PR60 PCGS grade

#6 PR58 PCGS grade

#6 PR58 estimated grade

#8 PR55 PCGS grade

David Akers: The 1887 is the only date in the Half Eagle series that was struck only in proof. Compared to other proofs, it is one of the most common prior to 1900 and it is certainly more common than any of the proofs preceding it. However, since the date is only available in proof, the 1887 has reached a price level exceeding that of any date after 1859 except the 1875. Out of the original 87 proofs, perhaps as many as 30-35 still exist but most of the ones I have seen have not been particularly choice. In fact, I would say that gem quality specimens are extremely rare.