1874 $20 MS64 PCGS....

Description

Condition Rarity 1874 Double Eagle, MS64
One of Three Finest Known

1874 $20 MS64 PCGS. A perusal of the PCGS/NGC population data indicates that the majority of the 1874 double eagles fall into the Very Fine to About Uncirculated range. Douglas Winter and Michael Fuljenz, in their 1999 treatise Type Two Double Eagles 1866-1876: A Numismatic History and Analysis, write that the existence of a small group of coins in Europe a few years ago make MS60 pieces sometimes available. The date is rare in MS61, and very rare in MS62. Specifically, the certified population figures reveal a significant decrease between these two grades, with the latter showing slightly more than 30 pieces. The two services have seen a mere five Select coins, three MS64s, and nothing higher (5/08)!
Winter and Fuljenz contend that locating an 1874 twenty dollar with good eye appeal is difficult: "Any example which shows minimal marks, good luster and no signs of having been cleaned is greatly prized by collectors and invariably trades for a strong premium."
The current near-Gem will therefore delight the interested bidder. Potent luster radiates from both sides, each of which has benefited from an attentive strike. Moreover, the dentilation is bold throughout; some coins, according to Winter and Fuljenz, show localized weakness on the dentils. The original surfaces display apricot-gold over most of the obverse, with a splash of brass-gold in the central area. Apricot-gold color dominates the reverse. A handful of small marks on Liberty's cheek and neck preclude full Gem classification.(Registry values: N7079)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 26AN, PCGS# 8970, GSID# 9812)

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
Weight: 33.44 grams
AGW: 0.9675oz
Mintage: 366,800

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