1886 Gold Dollar. JD-1. Rarity-4. Centered Date. Proof-66+ Cameo (PCGS). CAC. A gorgeous jewel of a coin with lively contrasting frosty matte-like devices set against deeply mirrored fields. Attractive in every regard, both sides are predominantly smooth and close to pristine. For provenance purposes alone we mention a few wispy handling marks in the left obverse field, before Libertys mouth, that helped us identify this as the plate coin for the issue in the 2018 reference <em>United States Proof Coins</em> by John W. Dannreuther. Bright medium gold in color with eye appeal to spare.<p>Toward the end of the gold dollars 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 numeric grade level. Expertly preserved and with beautiful surfaces, this Cameo Gem is among the finest obtainable in todays market. PCGS# 87636. NGC ID: 25EW. PCGS Population: 3; with a single Proof-67 Cameo finer in this category.<p>CAC Stickered Population: 8; 1. The former total includes coins certified both Proof-66 Cameo and Proof-66+ Cameo. From Heritages sale of the Bob R. Simpson Collection, Part I, September 2020, lot 10121. The plate coin for the issue in the 2018 Dannreuther reference on Proof gold coinage.
