Overview of 1987 Proof Gold Eagle Two Coin Set PCGS PR70

The 1987 Proof Gold Eagle Two Coin Set represents a pairing of two denominations from the United States Mint's American Gold Eagle proof series, both certified by the Professional Coin Grading Service at PR70, the highest grade on the numeric scale. These coins were struck in 22-karat gold with a composition of .9167 fine gold, alloyed with copper and silver for added durability, consistent with the American Gold Eagle standard established in 1986. A PR70 designation from PCGS confirms that both coins display absolutely no post-production imperfections under 5x magnification, representing a perfect specimen in every respect. We carry certified sets like this one because the combination of grading precision and documented provenance appeals to a specific category of buyer that values both the metal and the numismatic record.

History and Background

The American Gold Eagle program launched in 1986 under the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985, which authorized the United States Mint to produce gold coins for the first time since the cessation of domestic gold coinage in 1933. The proof versions of these coins were introduced alongside their bullion counterparts from the very first year, distinguishing themselves through a specialized minting process that produces deeply mirrored fields and frosted, sculpted devices. By 1987, the program was in only its second year of production, making these early proof coins a notable part of the series' foundational output. The 1987 proof issue was produced at the West Point Mint, which carries the "W" mintmark on coins from this era. Two-coin sets were offered by the United States Mint as part of their standard proof packaging program, allowing collectors to acquire matched denominations in a single presentation. The relatively low proof mintages from this period reflect the series' still-developing collector base, which adds context to why early-dated, top-graded examples attract the attention they do among serious collectors.

Design and Aesthetics

Both coins in the set share the same iconic design framework introduced when the series launched. The obverse features Augustus Saint-Gaudens' interpretation of Lady Liberty, striding forward with a torch raised in her right hand and an olive branch in her left, the Capitol building visible in the background and a rising sun beneath her feet. The design draws directly from Saint-Gaudens' celebrated 1907 Double Eagle, adapting it for the modern Gold Eagle format. The word "LIBERTY" arcs above, and the date appears at the bottom. The reverse was designed by sculptor Miley Busiek and depicts a male eagle carrying an olive branch as he flies above a nest containing a female eagle and eaglets, representing family and national strength. The proof finish applied to these coins intensifies the contrast between the deeply polished mirror fields and the raised, frosted devices, producing the sharp cameo contrast characteristic of United States Mint proof coinage. Both coins in the set carry this same treatment, and at the PR70 grade, that finish is preserved without flaw.

Authenticity and Product Integrity

PCGS certification is the cornerstone of authenticity for this product. Each coin in the set has been individually examined, authenticated, and encapsulated by PCGS, one of the most respected third-party grading services in numismatics. The PR70 designation is assigned only when a coin displays no trace of post-mint imperfection, meaning the proof surfaces, cameo contrast, and strike quality are all assessed to be flawless. PCGS holders also incorporate security features designed to prevent tampering or switching after certification. We are an authorized PCGS dealer, which means we are positioned to offer certified products with a clear chain of accountability and full confidence in the grading documentation. The United States Mint's own production standards for proof coinage are among the most precise in the world, and the 22-karat gold composition used in American Gold Eagles is verified against a strict legal specification. For this particular set, the combination of Mint-issued proof production and PCGS PR70 certification leaves no ambiguity about condition or authenticity.

Condition and Packaging

PR70 is a perfect grade, and that distinction carries real weight in the certified coin market. A coin graded PR70 by PCGS shows absolutely no post-production flaws, contact marks, hairlines, or blemishes of any kind when examined under standard grading magnification. For a proof coin, this standard is particularly demanding given the highly reflective, mirror-like surfaces that reveal even the most minor imperfections. Both coins in this set meet that threshold, making this a matched pair of flawless certified examples. Each coin is individually sealed in a tamper-evident PCGS holder, commonly referred to as a slab, which displays the coin's grade, certification number, and denomination. The set is presented as a certified two-coin pairing, and the PCGS holders protect the coins from handling and environmental exposure while preserving the grade on record. Because these are certified coins and not raw bullion, standard bulk packaging formats such as tubes or monster boxes do not apply.

Pricing and Market Factors

Pricing for this set reflects multiple overlapping factors. The base component is the current spot price of gold, which provides the underlying metal value for both coins combined. Above that, a numismatic premium is applied to account for the proof designation, the early issue date, the two-coin set format, and most significantly, the PR70 certification from PCGS. Certified coins at the top of the grading scale command premiums that can move independently of spot price, driven by collector demand, population report data from PCGS, and the relative scarcity of flawless early-date examples. The 1987 date is meaningful in the context of the American Gold Eagle series because it falls in the program's second year, when proof mintages were still low relative to later years when collector demand had grown. PCGS population data showing how many 1987 PR70 examples exist across both denominations in this set influences how the market prices these coins. Our pricing reflects current market conditions, and the bid/ask spread visible on our product pages provides additional context for understanding both acquisition cost and current resale values.

Selling and Liquidity

American Gold Eagles hold strong global recognition, and certified proof examples from PCGS attract an active secondary market among collectors and numismatic buyers. The PCGS label itself is a significant liquidity factor, as it eliminates the authentication question that can slow down transactions involving uncertified coins. Buyers in the resale market know exactly what they are acquiring when a coin carries a PCGS PR70 holder, and that clarity contributes to more efficient price discovery. We operate a two-way market that supports both buying and selling within the same platform. For a product like this, where numismatic value layers on top of the underlying metal, having access to current pricing data and an active buy channel matters. Our competitive buyback pricing reflects real-time market conditions, and customers who want to evaluate resale value before committing to a purchase can use the bid and ask pricing displayed on our product pages to inform that decision.

Why Buy the 1987 Proof Gold Eagle Two Coin Set PCGS PR70?

Early-date American Gold Eagle proof coins in perfect certified condition occupy a narrow segment of the market where numismatic scarcity and precious metal content converge. The 1987 issue is not as widely available in PR70 as some later dates with higher proof mintages, which makes finding a matched two-coin set at this grade level particularly relevant for collectors building a complete certified series. The PCGS holder guarantees that the condition documented at grading is preserved going forward, eliminating the subjectivity that affects raw coins. For buyers who value documentation, verified quality, and a recognizable certification standard, this set offers a direct path to acquiring a well-defined numismatic asset with known parameters on both sides. The combination of the United States Mint's proof production quality, PCGS authentication, and the foundational significance of the 1987 date gives this set a clear identity in the broader American Gold Eagle market.

Why Buy from Bullion Standard?

We have been operating in the physical precious metals market since 2010, and our approach has consistently centered on transparency, product integrity, and customer trust. As an authorized dealer for both PCGS and NGC, we are equipped to accurately represent certified coins and provide buyers with reliable documentation. Our A rating with the Better Business Bureau and memberships in both the American Numismatic Association and the National Coin and Bullion Association reflect our ongoing commitment to professional standards within the industry. Every product we offer is verified for authenticity before it reaches a customer, and our pricing is structured to reflect real market conditions rather than opaque markups. We present bid and ask pricing directly on product pages so buyers can evaluate the full picture of a transaction, not just the asking price. Our two-way market model means we are equally invested in the sell side, which encourages a more honest relationship with customers from the start. Responsive support, secure checkout, and reliable fulfillment complete an experience that is designed to feel more like a transparent marketplace than a traditional dealer environment.

Get Near-Spot Pricing with Bullion Standard Pro

Bullion Standard Pro gives members direct access to live, executable wholesale bid and ask pricing, which is particularly meaningful for a product like this where the spread between buying and selling can vary based on collector demand and secondary market activity. Rather than relying on estimated or indicative prices, Pro members see pricing that reflects real-time wholesale market conditions, making it easier to evaluate whether current market timing aligns with their objectives. Real-time portfolio valuation using live wholesale bid pricing also allows members holding certified numismatic products to track their liquidation value against actual market conditions rather than generic estimates. Pro also includes product research tools and proprietary analytics that help members contextualize premiums, assess bid/ask spread tightness, and compare pricing conditions across the broader catalog. For numismatic gold products where premiums are shaped by factors beyond spot price, access to historical premium data and market intelligence tools provides a level of analytical depth that is difficult to find elsewhere. These tools are designed to support more informed decisions at both the point of purchase and when it comes time to sell.

Flexible and Secure Payment Options

We support a broad range of payment methods to accommodate buyers at every stage of the process. Accepted options include Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover, as well as PayPal, bank-connected payments through Plaid, wire transfer, paper check, and cryptocurrency via BitPay. Each method is integrated into a secure transaction environment designed to protect buyer information and support a smooth checkout experience. Whether you prefer the speed of a wire transfer or the convenience of a credit card, the process is built around simplicity and security from start to finish.