1886 Gold Dollar. JD-1. Rarity-4. Centered Date. Proof-66 Cameo (NGC). A tiny jewel of a coin with vibrant contrasting frosty matte-like devices against deeply mirrored fields. Attractive in every regard, both sides are silky smooth with a dusting of pale silver on dominant vivid orange-olive. Toward the end of the gold dollars existence, mintages for the denomination were desultory at best 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 those levels. Expertly preserved and with beautiful surfaces, this lovely coin is a delight to behold. PCGS# 87636. NGC ID: 25EW. NGC Census: 12; 3 finer in this category (all Proof-67 Cameo).
