The warmly toned devices contrast with deep mirrored fields on both sides of this beautiful Gem. The surfaces are very attractive and reveal a pleasant "orange peel" texture in some regions. After years of limited mintages, the quantity of Proof gold dollars exploded in 1884 and remained above the 1,000-coin mark for the final years of the series, in the case of the 1886, 1,016 pieces. The increased production was not due to numismatic demand but from orders by jewelers who were not able to obtain circulation strikes. Proofs were an easy alternative and were mostly used for bracelets, necklaces and the like. The present superb 1886 should attract wide attention.
