1885 $20 AU58 PCGS....

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Sold on Jan 7, 2010 for:

$43,125.00 Bid Source: Internet bidder

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Famous, Low-Mintage 1885 Twenty, AU58
Generally the Finest Grade Obtainable

1885 $20 AU58 PCGS. The decade of the 1880s is notorious for deeply mirrored business strikes and softly defined proofs, a situation that years ago caused a blurring between the two (usually depending upon which was more valuable). In recent decades, scholarship in most series has risen to such a level that diagnostics are now known that clearly differentiates between coins struck for circulation and proofs. With an issue such as the 1885 twenty, with a mintage of only 750 pieces, this can be important to know. In his double eagle Guide Book, Q. David Bowers lists the characteristics:

"The date on the circulation strikes is placed slightly differently form that on the Proofs, farther to the left, with 8 centered under the B (J.B.L.), while on the Proofs the center of the 8 is ever so slightly to the right. The date is lower than on the Proofs. On the circulation strike the 5 is much closer to the dentils than to the curl above, while on the Proofs it is just slightly closer to the dentils than the curl above."

This is an unquestioned business strike. The fields are reflective, but lack the depth seen on first-strike coins and proofs. The surfaces are peppered with numerous tiny abrasions, but the only ones worthy of individual mention are on Liberty's neck, one at the top and the other at the bottom. The strike is sharp throughout and the surfaces display even reddish patina. In general, the 1885 is unavailable in mint condition. Both services combined have only graded 20 coins finer than AU58 (several of which were undoubtedly resubmissions). Population: 10 in 58, 7 finer (11/09).
From The Atherton Family Collection.(Registry values: N4719)

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

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
Weight: 33.44 grams
AGW: 0.9675oz
Mintage: 751

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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