1886 G$1, CAM PR(PCGS#87636)

Spring 2026 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

3111

Grade

PR66CAM

Price

9,900

Lot Description

A gorgeous jewel with lively contrasting frosty devices set against boldly mirrored fields. Attractive in every regard, both sides are impressively smooth and close to pristine. Vivid golden-apricot color throughout with eye appeal to spare.<p>Toward the end of the gold dollar's existence, circulation strike mintages for the denomination were desultory at best and achieved primarily to prevent them from becoming Proof-only issues. They were usually snapped up for use as gifts or to be made into jewelry. Because of this demand, Proof coin production tipped up beginning in 1884 and reached a total of 1,016 specimens in 1886, to help fill orders from jewelers who were otherwise unable to obtain the coin. While many examples were carefully preserved by numismatists, quite a few were mishandled by the public, in addition to those that were damaged in jewelry. Despite the comparatively healthy production figures, probably only 20% or so remain in numismatic channels today. Most survivors fall between the Choice and Gem Proof states of preservation, and only seldom exceed the Proof-65 grade level. Nicely preserved and with beautiful surfaces, this premium Gem Cameo Proof is among the finest obtainable.<p>The JD-2 is the rarer of the two die varieties known for this issue. Although both dies are unique to this pairing, it is most readily identified by the reverse, on which the date is set low in the central field with the top of the right ribbon bow under the center of the second digit 8.