1886 $20 PR65+ Deep Cameo PCGS. CAC. JD-1, Low R.6....

Description

1886 Double Eagle, PR65+ Deep Cameo
Low-Mintage Rarity With CAC Approval
Gorgeous Contrast and Color

1886 $20 PR65+ Deep Cameo PCGS. CAC. JD-1, Low R.6. Ex: Simpson. The year 1886 is a famous date in the double eagle series. It is one in a string of well-known and highly regarded low-mintage twenty dollar issues, including the proof-only 1883, 1884, and 1887. This issue's immediate predecessor, the 1885, claims a mintage of 751 circulation strikes, while 1,000 double eagles were minted in 1886. That small total was accompanied by a production of 106 proofs delivered in sets and individually between February and December, of which this is one. Aside from their finish, proofs are distinguished from their circulation-strike counterparts by the date placement lower and further right in the field.

John Dannreuther writes in United States Proof Coins, Volume IV: Gold, Part II, "The century mark was passed for Proof double eagle production for the firm time" in 1886. Despite the vastly different date positions of proofs and circulations and the unlikelihood of confusing the two, "only about a fourth of the Proofs survive" -- roughly 25 to 30 specimens. According to Dannreuther:

"There are numerous theories for the low survival rate, the most prevalent one is that only those sold with the sets survived and many of the single Proofs were not sold and melted at the end of the year. We may never know what happened, as there were no records for these years of the melted coins or Proofs placed into circulation."

This Plus-graded Deep Cameo Gem offers everything a collector would hope for in a proof double eagle of this vintage. Rich orange and red-gold color and stark field-device contrast draw the attention of the viewer. Close inspection reveals a minimum number of contact marks or other unsightly imperfections, while the fields exhibit beautiful orange-peel texturing. This high-end low-mintage rarity is certainly worthy of a premium bid and should generate significant interest. Population: 2 in 65 (1 in 65+) Deep Cameo, 3 finer. CAC: 3 in 65, 2 finer (6/22).(Registry values: P4)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 26E7, PCGS# 99102, Greysheet# 10067)

Weight: 33.44 grams

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper

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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