1876 G$1, PL MS(PCGS#87577)

November 2025 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

8489

Grade

MS62PL

Price

1,800

Lot Description

This example readily lives up to the coveted PL designation from PCGS. Nicely mirrored and highly reflective despite numerous tiny wipe marks and hairlines in the fields that limit the grade There is even considerable cameo contrast to the finish that enhances already memorable eye appeal. The surfaces are evenly toned in vivid orange-gold.<p><p>1876 saw the great Centennial Exhibition in Fairmount Park in Philadelphia, as many Americans celebrated the nation's independence, while still recovering from the turmoil of the Panic of 1873. Silver began to rise in prominence as "Silverites" campaigned for unlimited legal tender status for the metal at a 16 to 1 silver to gold ratio. Demand for gold dollars was desultory at best and only 3,200 gold dollars were struck at the Philadelphia Mint, making it one of the rarer of such issues. The coins seem not to have attracted much numismatic notice at the time, though a fair number of Mint State examples do exist.