1899 $20 PR65+ Cameo PCGS. JD-1, R.5....

Description

1899 Liberty Twenty Dollar, PR65+ Cameo
Liquidlike Fields
Frosty Yellow-Gold Devices
From a Limited Mintage of 74 Proofs

1899 $20 PR65+ Cameo PCGS. JD-1, R.5. Ex: Simpson. The coin offered here was among 74 proof double eagles struck in 1899. Those few dozen specimens closed out a decade renowned for its extraordinary proof production quality, with the Philadelphia Mint reaching the highest peaks of its coining potential. Indeed, as John Dannreuther has noted, those who called out the less than inspiring appearances of proofs struck after 1902 and then after 1907 had been active collectors of proof coinage during the 1890s. In other words, they were accustomed to and appreciated the stark field-device contrast that proofs from that decade exhibited. Today, that production quality continues to drive demand for the 1899 proof double eagle, as does its 19th century date.

PCGS estimates 30 to 40 examples of the 1899 proof double eagle survive, while Dannreuther pegs the surviving population at 40 to 55 pieces. An equal number of Cameo and Deep Cameo submissions are reported at that service (eight per category), plus 17 non-Cameo certification events. Among Cameo proofs, this is one of only three Gems with a Plus designation. A single example is graded finer in PR66 Cameo (11/21).

The surfaces of this high-end Cameo representative display yellow-gold color, particularly over the dramatically frosted and pinpoint-sharp devices. By comparison, the reflective fields appear almost jet-black. Collectors searching for a single high-end 19th century proof coin or a fine example of the 1899 in particular should be delighted with this Gem from the Bob Simpson Collection.(Registry values: P2)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 26EL, PCGS# 89115, Greysheet# 10105)

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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