1889 $10 PR64 PCGS. Ex: Harry W. Bass, Jr. The 1889 eagle saw a measly production of 45 pieces, a number that is somewhat o...

Description

Rare Near-Gem Proof 1889 Eagle, Ex: Bass

1889 $10 PR64 PCGS. Ex: Harry W. Bass, Jr. The 1889 eagle saw a measly production of 45 pieces, a number that is somewhat on the low side even for the late 1880s and early 1890s, before annual proof emissions slowly started an uptick to the 120 pieces produced in the centennial year 1900. But as an issue, the 1889 is among the rarest of the 1885-1907 timeframe. NGC and PCGS together have certified only nine pieces in all grades (9/06). The Garrett-Guth gold Encyclopedia calls this piece "the rarest of the decade," further noting that "Even the 1891 issue, which has a similar mintage, is a far more 'common' coin." The Bass Sale cataloger, writing of this piece, said:

Lovely cameo Proof with very light yellow devices and deeper fields. A wonderful example for the date or type collector. Although 45 Proofs are said to have been minted, probably fewer than 20 were sold and it is doubtful if more than a dozen can be traced today. As is true of all Proofs of this era, some are in institutions, others are damaged or otherwise impaired. The number of pieces in the Bass Collection--a combination of high numerical grade with excellent aesthetic appeal--is very low. To these attributes can be added the fact that the 1889 eagle is rare as a date in any and all grades, business strikes being very elusive.
From The Hamburg-Sonoma Collection.(Registry values: P3)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 28FU, PCGS# 8829, GSID# 9684)

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
Weight: 16.72 grams
AGW: 0.48375oz
Mintage: 45

Note for clients in the European Union: This lot is considered by the European Union to be “investment gold”. We believe that it meets the criteria established in Article 344(1), point (2) of Council Directive 2006/112/EC and thus should be exempt from import VAT regardless of the selling price. Any questions or concerns about VAT should be addressed to your accountant or local tax authority.

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