AMONGST THE FINEST GRADED PROOF 1882 GOLD DOLLARS

After years of tiny mintages, the number produced in 1881 (87 struck), 1882 (125 struck), and 1883 (207 struck) increased dramatically. Then came the explosion with 1,000+ made each year though 1889, when this unloved type was discontinued forever.

This coin shows the strongest contrast between the frosted devices and the watery, reflective fields that I can recall having seen on a Proof 1882 gold dollar and it is rare as such. I’m not exactly sure why CAC didn’t approve this, as it shows an absence of lines as well as any small mint-made planchet chips as are so often seen on Proof gold dollars from this era.

The current PCGS population of seven in PR66 DCAM with seven finer (led by a single PR67+ and trailed three each in PR67 and PR66+) appears to be slightly inflated due to resubmissions. Notable auction comps include a PCGS/CAC PR66 selling for $15,600 in 5/2024, a PCGS PR66+ non-CAC bringing $18,800 in 5/2023, and a PCGS PR67—also non-CAC—selling for $18,000 in 8/2024.

A beautiful Gem Proof gold dollar that really must be seen in-hand to be fully appreciated.

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