1888 Indian Cent. MS-67 RD (PCGS). A gorgeous piece displaying blended pink, lavender, and tangerine hues across each side. The surfaces are blanketed by satiny luster that remains fully composed across the high points. Hints of die polishing is visible around the obverse devices, revealing subtle glints of prooflike reflectivity. Tiny traces of darker patina at the centers attest to the originality and serve as convenient pedigree markers. The 1888 is one of the scarcest circulation strike Indian cents of the 1887 to 1909 era, boasting the fifth lowest mintage behind the 1909-S, 1908-S, 1909, 1908 and 1894, in that order. With only 37.4 million struck, it amounted to only a third of the 108 million struck in 1907 at the crescendo of that era. Even so, the 1888 remains widely available in Mint State grades including Gem Red. Survivors become remarkably scarce in MS-66 RD and virtually unavailable in MS-67 RD. The present Superb Gem is tied with just one other specimen at PCGS and none have been graded finer. NGC has not graded any coins finer than MS-66 in the Red category, emphasizing the true significance of this offering.
