1887 Gold $1 Type III PCGS MS66

The 1887 Gold Dollar, Type III, is a beautiful and historic small-size coin that represents the last decades of the nation’s smallest circulating gold denomination. Certified PCGS MS66, this example displays exceptional preservation and eye appeal, placing it among the finest known survivors of this date and type.

The Gold Dollar series began in 1849, prompted by the influx of gold from the California Gold Rush. While the denomination was initially popular, its practicality in everyday commerce was limited due to the coin’s small size. By the mid-1880s, the denomination was struck primarily for collectors, which accounts for the relatively small mintages of the later years. The Type III design, introduced in 1856, features a portrait of Liberty facing left, wearing a feathered headdress with the word “LIBERTY” inscribed across the band. Encircling her portrait are the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” with the date positioned below. The reverse design presents an agricultural wreath of corn, cotton, wheat, and tobacco tied with a bow, encircling the denomination “1 DOLLAR” and the date.

The 1887 issue had a reported mintage of only 7,500 pieces, placing it among the scarcer late-date gold dollars. Most were purchased by collectors at the time of issue and carefully preserved, which is why relatively high-grade survivors exist today. However, while Mint State examples are not unheard of, coins certified at the MS66 level are exceedingly rare and highly desirable. This example, graded by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), is one of the finest available, displaying superb surfaces, vibrant luster, and sharply struck details.

The grade of MS66 places this coin in the top echelon of condition rarity. Few coins have survived with the technical quality and visual appeal necessary to achieve such a lofty designation. At this level, collectors can expect nearly flawless fields and devices, with only the most minor of imperfections visible under magnification. The luster is bright and frosty, enhancing the coin’s overall beauty, while the strike is crisp and even across both obverse and reverse.

The Gold Dollar series, particularly the Type III design, has long been admired for its artistry and symbolism. James B. Longacre, Chief Engraver of the United States Mint, created the design, which reflects a blend of classical portraiture and distinctly American motifs. Liberty’s feathered headdress is emblematic of the nation’s frontier heritage and westward expansion, while the wreath on the reverse symbolizes agricultural prosperity. These design elements captured the spirit of the mid-19th century and continue to resonate with collectors today.

Owning an 1887 Gold Dollar in PCGS MS66 provides not only aesthetic enjoyment but also historical significance. This coin was struck during the Gilded Age, a period of rapid industrialization, innovation, and national growth in the United States. It connects collectors with an era of wealth, transformation, and expansion in American history.

From an investment perspective, coins such as this offer strong appeal due to their combination of low mintage, historical importance, and condition rarity. While many Gold Dollars exist in lower Mint State grades, true gems such as this MS66 are elusive and always in demand. Registry set collectors in particular compete vigorously for coins of this caliber, as they strive to assemble the finest sets of Gold Dollars by date and type.

The 1887 Gold $1 Type III PCGS MS66 stands out as an exceptional survivor from one of the most distinctive denominations in American coinage. With its low mintage, stunning preservation, and top-tier grading, it represents both an outstanding numismatic treasure and a valuable asset for the advanced collector. Opportunities to acquire such high-grade examples are rare, making this coin a remarkable addition to any serious U.S. gold collection.