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A coin with the desirable rich Cameo contrast on the devices, which makes them jump off
the reflective fields. The impressive orange-peel surfaces are clear with a magnifier
which show remarkable reflectivity combined with an intricate microscopic pattern of
facets. The mintage for the year was a mere 160 pieces, with none issued for general
circulation. A few are known with the medal turn reverse, or 180° from normal die
alignment for this date, and this is one of those rare examples. Apparently the obverse
die was rotated to the proper position after a few Proofs in the wrong orientation were
struck. Another notable fact is that three examples are known double struck on the
reverse, in an effort to cancel out the rotated reverse die. One can imagine the coiner
starting the day and installing the dies with the improper medallic alignment, striking
half a dozen or so in Proof to begin the production run, noticing the rotated die and
setting a few aside, including the present coin. Then at least three others were
overstruck with the proper die alignment before regular production commenced for the total
of 160 pieces. Evidence of the double striking is clear on the three coins which started
out as Proofs with this same medallic turn reverse, then were recoined by the correctly
positioned Proof dies and fed back through the coining press. The evidence is telling, and
this is one of the rarest type of errors to come forth from the Philadelphia Mint, as all
gold errors are rare, with the errors on Proof gold virtually unheard of. It would make
quite a collection to have three examples of the 1887 three-dollar gold piece, one with
the medallic turn reverse (this coin), the second one of the double struck pieces, and
then a regular Proof with the normal reverse alignment.
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