1886 G$1 PR(PCGS#7636)

Spring 2025 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

3110

Grade

PR67

Price

12,600

Lot Description

A gorgeous jewel of a coin with frosty matte-like devices set against modestly mirrored fields. Attractive in every regard, the entire package is dressed in warm honey-rose color with a touch of silvery tinting that yields to brilliance when viewed at direct lighting angles. Both sides are remarkably smooth and close to pristine.<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 the creation of 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 numeric grade level. Expertly preserved and with beautiful surfaces, this Superb Gem is among the finest obtainable in today's market.