1887 50C, DCAM PR66+ DCAM Certification #25054741, PCGS #96448

Ron Guth

In 1887, the mintage of Proof Half Dollars was, at 710 pieces, the lowest since 1877.  Added to the only 5,000 examples made for circulation, it is easy to understand why this date is so popular.  For instance, if there were 6,000 collectors who wanted this date, it would be impossible to find.  Correspondingly, just a little increase in demand would dry up the available supply or, at least, make them much more expensive.  Already, the available supply of certified Proof 1887 Half Dollars is lower than for many of its contemporaries.

Approximately one-fourth of all Proof 1887 Half Dollars are Cameos.  In keeping with the other dates around it, the 1887 Half Dollar is extremely rare as a Deep Cameo.