1885 $20 AU55 NGC....

Description

1885 Double Eagle, AU55
Low Mintage of Only 751 Coins

1885 $20 AU55 NGC. Philadelphia double eagle coinage in the early 1880s dropped to low levels, and some issues were only produced in proof format. In 1885, the annual double eagle production was a mere 751 coins. Contemporary collectors were interested in proofs that were universally considered the best quality, while Mint State pieces were generally ignored. As a result, today's collectors will have an easier time locating a proof example than a circulation strike piece.

NGC and PCGS have certified 78 circulated examples including three in the present sale. The two services have examined 28 Mint State pieces grading MS60 to MS63 and 23 proofs in grades from PR58 to PR67.

Prior to gold coin imports from Europe, the 1885 double eagle rarely appeared at auction. P. Scott Rubin was aware of just six auction appearances before 1962. Recent auction appearances are more frequent, with three examples each year from 2019 to 2022. From 2010 to 2018, there were 22 auction events. There were 39 appearances in auction from 2000 to 2009. With 73 auction events from 2000 to 2022, an average of just over three per year. The present auction has three examples, a rather remarkable situation.

Small marks are observed on Liberty's cheek and in the fields of this Choice AU double eagle. Both sides are slightly reflective on rich orange-gold surfaces. A few random spots are evident on the reverse. The obverse and reverse fields are slightly reflective on this delightful example. Census: 6 in 55, 31 finer (12/22).
From The Allan H. Goldman Collection, Part V. (Registry values: N4719)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 26BM, PCGS# 9003, Greysheet# 9821)

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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