1882 $20 AU55 NGC....

Description

1882 Double Eagle, Elusive AU55
571 Pieces Struck for Circulation
Extremely Low Mintage Gold Coin

1882 $20 AU55 NGC. The Philadelphia Mint produced a string of remarkably low-mintage rarities among the Liberty Head double eagles of the 1880s, including three proof-only issues, the 1883, 1884, and 1887, struck in nominal amounts of a few dozen proofs per year. The 1882 was not a proof-only issue, but it might as well have been: Only 571 pieces were struck for circulation, and perhaps only two dozen or so survive today in all grades. The Smithsonian Institution has two examples of the proof 1882 double eagle, but it lacks an example of the circulation strike. Collectors of the day preferred proofs almost exclusively, explaining the paucity of surviving high-grade business strikes.

The mintage of 571 coins puts the 1882 not only among the lowest-mintage double eagles of the Liberty Head series -- only the 1861 Paquet was lower (apparently) -- but it also puts it among the lowest-mintage U.S. gold coins, regardless of denomination. For reference, recall that the 1796 No Stars quarter eagle was struck to the reported extent of 963 coins.

This Choice AU NGC-certified example is one of two submissions in this grade, and six are finer (6/14). As is expected for such a low-mintage issue, the fields on this piece are bright and reflective, conserving considerable evidence of the original prooflike texture. Numerous small- to medium-sized abrasions scattered over each side are consistent with the grade. The most distinctive marks are between star 9 and the back of Liberty's head; on the reverse, a long horizontal mark connects the bottom of the R in AMERICA with the eagle's right (facing) wing. This piece is sharply struck throughout, the yellow-gold coloration complementing a hint of reddish patina.
From The Christopher Bently Nob Hill Collection.(Registry values: N7079)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 26BE, PCGS# 8996, Greysheet# 9820)

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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