1887 Quarter Error List with Pictures

A small weak spot on the rim can matter even on a carefully made collector coin. An 1887 Proof quarter with a rim clip sold for $776.25 in September 2003.

This 1887 quarter error is much subtler than a large missing piece. A comparable genuine Proof rim clip has an estimated whole-coin value of $700–$3,000.

Read on to see where the recorded clip appears and how to separate its soft rim from later damage.

1887 Liberty Seated Quarter Proof Rim Clip

The rim looks softer in one small area instead of having a large bite missing. On the recorded coin, that area sits at one o’clock on the front and five o’clock on the back.

A clip begins with an incomplete metal disk, called a blank, before the design is stamped onto it. Here, the small missing portion left too little metal to form the rim fully.

ANACS graded the example PR64. PR identifies a Proof, a coin specially made for collectors; the number describes its condition rather than the clip’s size.

Estimated Value

Estimate $700–$3,000 for a genuine 1887 Proof quarter with a small rim clip. This is the whole coin’s value, including its condition and collector appeal.

The ANACS PR64 example brought $776.25 on September 20, 2003 in Heritage auction 330, lot 6691. That historical sale does not measure the clip’s premium by itself.

Original reflective surfaces and a clearly identifiable clip help the comparison. Scratches, cleaning, or a later rim dent can reduce appeal.

How to Identify

Hold the front upright and inspect the rim near one o’clock. Turn to the back, keeping its design upright, and find the corresponding area near five o’clock.

Compare these spots with the surrounding rim under a small light. The recorded clip leaves weakly formed detail, so do not expect a dramatic open notch.

Examine the edge from the side for a cut surface or pushed-up metal. A sharp dent with displaced metal can come from a blow after striking.

Keep the reflective surfaces untouched and compare full photographs with the ANACS PR64 example. Matching the two rim positions and their softly formed detail is more useful here than looking for a large weight loss.

 

Conclusion

The estimated range of $700–$3,000 applies to the complete 1887 Proof rim-clip coin. Its small rim defect should be judged alongside the preservation of the rest of the quarter.

Begin at one o’clock on the front, then check five o’clock on the back. Look for softly formed rim detail, and leave the surface untouched while comparing it with the recorded example.