1879 $20 PR64 Cameo PCGS. Like the eagle in this set, the double eagle is extremely rare in proof format, with about 10 exa...

Description

Choice Cameo Proof 1879 Double Eagle

1879 $20 PR64 Cameo PCGS. Like the eagle in this set, the double eagle is extremely rare in proof format, with about 10 examples known. Although the mintage totaled 30 coins, several were likely melted without ever being sold, and others were almost certainly spent and failed to survive for this reason. We are aware of the following nine different pieces:

PR66 Cameo NGC. Trompeter specimen; Heritage (5/2000), lot 7892.
PR64 Cameo. Smithsonian Institution.
PR64 Cameo PCGS. Heritage (8/2004), lot 7692.
PR64 Cameo PCGS. The specimen offered here with unknown previous pedigree.
PR64 Cameo NGC. Genaitis Collection (Heritage, 8/2001), lot 8200.
PR63. Philadelphia Mint; Garrett Collection (Bowers and Ruddy, 3/1980), lot 796.
PR63 PCGS. Harry Bass Collection (Bowers and Merena, 10/1999), lot 1871.
PR61 Cameo NGC. Heritage (9/2004), lot 7984.
Proof. American Numismatic Society.

Although a few blemishes and contact marks keep this away from a Gem grade level, it is an aesthetically pleasing piece with excellent cameo contrast and sharp design details. Both sides have brilliant yellow-gold color and a full quota of mint frost with deeply mirrored fields. A small mark on the chin and another just below the chin may assist in tracing the pedigree of this piece.
Like the other proofs of this date, little has been written in the past about these coins. Most recently, Jeff Garrett and Ron Guth wrote: "Although the mintage for the 1879 is slightly higher than for the last few [previous] years, the date is extremely rare in the proof format. There are only 10 to 12 coins known. Many of these are slightly impaired and not of choice quality. Just a few coins of the date have appeared at auction in the last two decades. These have been primarily from major collections such as Bass and Trompeter." Among Heritage sales of the past 30 years, this is only the seventh time we have offered a proof 1879 double eagle.
Like all of the proofs in this set, there is no question that this piece is a true proof, just by its visual appearance. Each one of the six proofs in this set has the typical wavy or watery appearance that is associated with proof gold coinage from this time period. They all have deeply mirrored fields and lustrous or frosty devices that create a wonderful cameo appearance. Each coin has exceptional aesthetic appeal, extreme desirability, and impressive rarity.(Registry values: P6)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 26DY, PCGS# 89095, Greysheet# 10045)

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.

View Certification Details from PCGS