1881 $20 AU55 PCGS....

Description

1881 Double Eagle, AU55
Ex: Bass, Famous Low-Mintage Date

1881 $20 AU55 PCGS. Ex: Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection. The 1881 Philadelphia Mint production of double eagles consisted of only 2,199 coins. There are only approximately 40 estimated survivors. This was the beginning of several years of low mintage production of double eagles in Philadelphia, through 1887, with the other Mint locations producing far larger quantities.

The present coin is pedigreed to Harry Bass's famed collection. His was the most extensive collection of gold coins ever amassed when he died in 1998. 19th Century gold coins were an early love. Bass was known as an astute collector, carefully studying and learning, becoming an expert. He built one of the finest collections of numismatic books and auction catalogs as part of his quest to acquire as much knowledge as possible.

This Choice AU example was the sole 1881 double eagle among the coins sold from his collection in 1999 and 2000. As stated in the lot description of the Bowers and Merena catalog after discussing the rarity of these pieces, "Perhaps lending further radiance to the desirability of the present piece it is a fact that Harry Bass was never able to obtain a Proof of this date in a quality which pleased him."

Gleaming yellow-gold surfaces provide this example with a pleasing appearance. As expected at this grade level, scattered marks are present, including a few on Liberty's cheek.

PCGS and NGC combined have awarded the AU55 grade to six examples, with only 12 pieces earning higher grades (11/13).
Ex: Purchased from Frank Sternberg, Zurich (11/1967); Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection, Part II (Bowers and Merena, 10/1999), lot 1879.
From The Douglas Martin Collection.(Registry values: N4719)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 26BC, PCGS# 8994, Greysheet# 9819)

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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