The value of an 1887 $5 Liberty Head Half Eagle gold coin depends heavily on its condition, or grade, and whether it was minted in San Francisco (marked with an “S”) or is a proof coin from Philadelphia (unmarked).
- Circulated 1887-S coins: According to the NGC Price Guide as of August 2025, an 1887-S Half Eagle in circulated condition can be worth between $905 and $985.
- Uncirculated 1887-S coins: In pristine, uncirculated condition, an 1887-S $5 coin can command prices as high as $30,000.
- Proof coins (Philadelphia mint): Only 87 proof coins were minted in Philadelphia in 1887, with no regular circulation strikes from that mint that year. Proof coins are generally more valuable and can reach values of around $65,000 or more, depending on their grade and scarcity. An example graded PCGS PR-65 Cameo sold for $144,000 in 2018.
- Mint location matters: In 1887, all business-strike $5 gold coins came from the San Francisco Mint.
- Melting value: The melt value, based on the gold content (0.2419 oz.) and current gold prices (August 17, 2025), is around $807.13.
To accurately determine the value of a specific 1887 $5 gold coin, it’s essential to have it professionally graded by a reputable service like NGC or PCGS. This will provide an objective assessment of the coin’s condition and help establish its market value. You can then compare the graded coin to recent sales records and price guides to get a better idea of its worth.
How much is an 1887 gold coin worth?
Thanks for asking. According to the NGC Price Guide, as of August 2025, a Gold Dollar Coin from 1887 in circulated condition is worth between $225 and $475. However, on the open market 1887 Gold Dollars in pristine, uncirculated condition sell for as much as $26500.