1887 Proof Jubilee Head Sovereign with 14 pearls - PCGS PR63DCAM

Great Britain, 1887 Proof Jubilee Head Sovereign with 14 pearls -

Discovered in 2001 by sovereign specialist Steve Hill, the 1887 proof pattern sovereign bears a number of distinct differences to the standard 1887 proof sovereign of the Jubilee series. Most apparent is that there are fourteen pearls on the Queen’s necklace on the obverse, while the standard 1887 proof sovereign has thirteen. The overall shape and position of the effigy itself is different, being wider and positioned further away from the last colon of “D:G:”. The JEB initials are higher in the truncation, while there are minor differences in the garter star and the folds of the Queen’s veil. The differences are so observable that the coin can be identified from a great distance without the need of a loupe. The mintage is not known, but we have identified about half a dozen unique examples over the last twenty years, so the number extant must be low. The coin is on par with similar patterns like the no BP 1887 £2 (which trades at close to six figures).

Prices for proof sovereigns have been roaring skyward the last five years, with six figure prices for key rarities not uncommon. The 1887 proof pattern sovereign has enjoyed similar price rises, with several sales in 2021 entering record-breaking territory. (None have appeared for sale publicly in 2022.) We anticipate the enthusiasm for proof sovereigns to continue, with pattern coins and alternative designs to be a particularly strong area. If you’re seeking to add an intriguing coin to your collection, or would just like to own something that very few other collectors can own, this is your coin.