USA ½ dollar Seated Liberty Half Dollar 1887
USA, Philadelphia
Rarity
Extremely Rare
Attributes of Coins
| Region | USA |
|---|---|
| Denomination | ½ dollar |
| Krause number | KM# A99 |
| Mintage | 5,000 |
| Metal | Silver 0.900 |
| thickness | 2 mm |
| diameter | 30.6 mm |
| weight | 12.5 g |
Obverse:
Liberty
Star
Creators:
Christian Gobrecht
LIBERTY
Reverse:
Coat of arms
Creators:
Christian Gobrecht
HALF DOL.
IN GOD WE TRUST
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Introduction of Coins
Like all the half dollars coined 1879-90, this edition was limited to the number of coins to satisfy the demand from date collectors and holiday gift givers and to discourage speculation in what would have been otherwise a proof-only issue. In that latter role, the 5,000 1887 half dollars were not really successful, and they became their own subject of speculation by hoarders. As a result this date is more available in Mint State than its mintage suggests. There are a fair number of gems, as well as lesser numbers of coins certified as PL (prooflike) and even DPL (deeply prooflike). The dies had little opportunity to wear, and nearly all specimens reveal some degree of mirror fields. This appears to be the scarcest date of the 1879-90 period in circulated grades, and the reason for that is unknown. Perhaps, speculators were more successful this year in keeping the coins from entering circulation. Wiley and Bugert state that only two die pairs were utilized for 1887 half dollars, but they aren't clear as to whether these were exclusive to either proofs or currency pieces or were used interchangeably. All halves of this date feature 152 edge reeds.Read More
