1886 Gold Dollar (1886 G$1) NGC PF. This lightly wiped proof dollar has retoned with a mixture of dark and light vertical striations on the obverse and more uniform yellow-gold toning on the reverse. There is still some mint luster on Libertys headdress and the top of her hair. On the reverse, the bow and its devices show some luster. There are a few trivial contact marks in Libertys hair and in the obverse field with virtually none on the reverse. The coin is fully struck as expected for a proof issue, and there is no wear on the high points of either side. In the years 1884-89, there was an unusually high number of gold dollar proof coins struck. They were sold individually at the Mint in Philadelphia, and many were mishandled causing large numbers in lower grades.

The gold dollars in circulation prior to this issue had to be redesigned because the dates even of newly minted coins were often not legible. They were also so weak in the centers that they looked warn when they were new. To remedy this situation, the Type III, Broad Head Dollars were designed. On the new dies, the obverse heads relief was lowered. x The details were arranged differently where possible to avoid placing obverse and reverse relief design parts opposite each other. During the Civil War and years following, most gold dollar coins were scarce and were either exported or melted, except for some proof coins that were sold to collectors, such as the present coin. In fact the years 1884-89 there were large mintages of proof coins most of which are usually found nicked and scratched.