1876 $10, CAM PR(PCGS#88816)

February 2026 Showcase Auction - The James A. Stack, Sr. Collection Part II

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

23028

Grade

PR64CAM

Price

156,000

Lot Description

Offered is the single finest Proof 1876 eagle known to PCGS, and the finest Cameo specimen stickered by CAC. It is a stunning near-Gem that boasts undeniable originality in the form of blended deep rose-orange color and more subtle silver-blue iridescence. Both sides brighten to more of a medium gold appearance as the surfaces dip into lighting - highly appealing. Fully struck and frosty in finish, the design elements are set against strongly reflective fields, the interplay between the two further enhancing this coin's already outstanding eye appeal. There are a few faint, widely scattered hairlines from light, ancient numismatic handling, but these are well within the context of the Choice Cameo Proof grade assigned by PCGS, and are hardly distracting during in-hand viewing.<p>One of the most historically significant issues in the entire Proof $10 gold eagle series, the 1876 was produced during the centennial year of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In anticipation of increased Proof coin sales to Americans seeking a numismatic memento from this important year in our nation's history, the Mint produced a greater number of Proof eagles in 1876 than it did in any other year during the 1870s. The mintage for the 1876 amounted to 45 pieces, as opposed to between 20 and 35 specimens for every other date from 1870 to 1879. Of course, a Proof mintage of 45 coins would define nearly any issue in the annals of numismatic history as a rarity.<p>Given the higher mintage, there are a few more Proof 1876 eagles extant as compared to the other Proof eagles of the decade. Even so, the majority were either melted as unsold in the Mint or have otherwise been lost. John Dannreuther's estimate of only 16 to 20 examples extant put forth in his 2018 reference <em>United States Proof Coins </em>square quite nicely with the range of 18 to 22 survivors published by <em>PCGS CoinFacts</em>. At least three of the survivors are impounded in museum collections and unavailable for private ownership.<p>Additionally, several of the examples in numismatic circles are in lower Proof grades, if not impaired, suggesting that at least a few Proof 1876 eagles found their way into the hands of non-numismatists at the time of issue. This is understandable given the centennial celebrations, which probably attracted coin buyers who were not seasoned numismatists and did not know how to properly preserve these important specimens. PCGS, in fact, has certified one example as Proof-55.<p>Combining great rarity with superior technical quality and bountiful eye appeal, the Choice Cameo Proof offered in this lot is a highlight of the James A. Stack, Sr. collection and belongs in one of the finest numismatic cabinets currently being formed.