1887 Liberty Head Half Eagle. Proof-58 (NGC). CAC.A handsome and gently circulated example of this scarce Proof half eagle. The surfaces are an even khaki-gold hue, with significant satiny luster across the devices and strong mirrored reflectivity in the fields on both sides. Sharply struck an attractive to examine in-hand. A pair of shallow marks are near star 12 serve as convenient pedigree markers. Just 87 Proof half eagles were struck in 1887 from a single die pair for distribution to collectors. What is extraordinary is the fact that Philadelphia never coined any additional half eagles for circulation, thus creating a Proof-only date from this Mint. The most current research by John Dannreuther suggests that only 35 to 45 examples remain in all grade, though a surprising amount of these show signs of handling like the current example. Even so, demand has always been higher for this date than others, as a Proof example is the only option in the quest to complete a true date and mint collection of Liberty half eagles. Only 3 coins have been certified finer by NGC in this category.