1880-S $20 MS65+ PCGS. CAC....

Description

1880-S Double Eagle, MS65+
The Sole Finest at PCGS and CAC
Semiprooflike and Beautifully Preserved

1880-S $20 MS65+ PCGS. CAC. Ex: Coronet Gold. The San Francisco Mint struck 836,000 double eagles in 1880, and the date is generally available in low Mint States through MS62. However, the date's availability drops off dramatically in MS63, with such coins being rare. Merely a handful of finer pieces are known in MS64, one of which came out of the Saddle Ridge Hoard in 2013. The finest pieces known are a lone MS66★ NGC coin and this MS65+ PCGS CAC example. It is unknown if the MS66★ coin is the same as an MS66 NGC piece that appeared in our auctions two decades ago in 2004, which no longer appears on the NGC Census, although it is possible -- further study is needed to confirm. Regardless, the current coin is the sole finest example at PCGS and CAC, making it an offering of unparalleled importance for the advanced Liberty double eagle collector. John Albanese of CAC reportedly commented to Legend specifically about this coin's unique qualities when it was reviewed for the CAC green label it now carries.

This remarkable piece has moderate field reflectivity throughout, which has been described fully mirrored by some who have seen this coin in-hand. Rotated beneath a light, the fields produce a subtle cartwheel effect that rolls through the reflective surfaces, preventing true mirroring as one would see on a proof, but nonetheless leaving the coin with a distinct proof-like appearance. At certain angles, a modest cameo effect is visible. Each side exhibits sharp motifs and rich orange-gold color, while only a few tiny field marks prevent full Premium Gem classification. A visually stunning and technically marvelous top-tier rarity. Population: 1 in 65 (1 in 65+), 0 finer. CAC: 1 in 65, 0 finer (6/24).
Ex: Coronet Gold Collection (Legend, 10/2019), lot 182; Regency Auction 41 (Legend, 10/2020), lot 430.(Registry values: N1)
From The Benedict Family Collection.

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 26BB, PCGS# 8993, Greysheet# 9933)

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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