1887 5C (Regular Strike)

Series: Liberty Head Five Cents 1883-1912

PCGS MS67

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PCGS MS67

PCGS #:: 3848

Designer:: Charles E. Barber

Edge:: Plain

Diameter:: 21.20 millimeters

Weight:: 5.00 grams

Mintage:: 15,260,692

Mint:: Philadelphia

Metal:: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel

Auction Record:: $11,163 • MS66+ • 08-08-2013 • Heritage Auctions

ShowHide Related Coins and Varieties (2)

Major Varieties

1887 5C

Die Varieties

1887 5C DDR FS-801 (014)

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PCGS Population

Auctions - PCGS Graded

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Current Auctions - NGC Graded

For Sale Now at Collectors Corner - PCGS Graded

For Sale Now at Collectors Corner - NGC Graded

Rarity and Survival Estimates Learn More

Grades	Survival Estimate The Survival Estimate represents an average of one or more experts' opinions as to how many examples survive of a particular coin in three categories: 1) all grades, 2) 60 or better, and 3) 65 or better. These estimates are based on a variety of sources, including population reports, auction appearances, and personal knowledge. Survival estimates include coins that are raw, certified by PCGS, and certified by other grading services.	Numismatic Rarity Numismatic Rarity converts the Survival Estimate for a particular coin into a number from 1 to 10 (with decimal increments) based on the PCGS Rarity Scale. The higher the number, the more rare the coin.	Relative Rarity By Type Relative Rarity By Type ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Type. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.	Relative Rarity By Series Relative Rarity By Series ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Series. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.
All Grades	30,000	R-2.7	7 / 32 TIE	7 / 33 TIE
60 or Better	1,250	R-4.9	9 / 32 TIE	9 / 33 TIE
65 or Better	300	R-6.4	17 / 32 TIE	17 / 33 TIE

Survival Estimate
All Grades	30,000
60 or Better	1,250
65 or Better	300

Numismatic Rarity
All Grades	R-2.7
60 or Better	R-4.9
65 or Better	R-6.4

Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type
All Grades	7 / 32 TIE
60 or Better	9 / 32 TIE
65 or Better	17 / 32 TIE

Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series
All Grades	7 / 33 TIE
60 or Better	9 / 33 TIE
65 or Better	17 / 33 TIE

Condition Census What Is This?

Pos	Grade	Pedigree and History
1	MS66+ PCGS grade
2	MS66 PCGS grade	Club 33 Collection (PCGS Set Registry)
2	MS66 PCGS grade
2	MS66 PCGS grade
2	MS66 PCGS grade
2	MS66 PCGS grade
2	MS66 PCGS grade
2	MS66 PCGS grade
2	MS66 PCGS grade
2	MS66 PCGS grade

#1 MS66+ PCGS grade

#2 MS66 PCGS grade

Club 33 Collection (PCGS Set Registry)

#2 MS66 PCGS grade

Ron Guth:

In 1887, the Mint produced over 15 million Liberty Head Nickels, reaching the third highest level to date. As a result, the 1887 Nickel is a very common coin in all grades. Hundreds of certified examples exist in each of the MS63, MS64, and MS65 grades. PCGS has certified less than two dozen MS66s, plus a single PCGS MS66+ (illustrated above), and none finer.

The challenge with the 1887 Nickel is finding an example that has all stars fully struck AND a full ear of corn on the back. In most cases, this date has weakness on some or all of the stars, or the ear of corn, or both. Rarely does one find a fully struck example in all of the afore-mentioned areas. It's akin to locating a Full Steps Jefferson Nickel or a Full Bands Mercury Head Dime. Good luck!