1891 $20 AU55 PCGS....

Description

1891 Twenty Dollar, AU55
Absolute Rarity, Only 1,390 Pieces Minted

1891 $20 AU55 PCGS. The San Francisco Mint carried the burden of double eagle production in 1891, with the Philadelphia Mint and Carson City Mint focused on other things (mainly, silver dollar production as encouraged by the Sherman Silver Purchase Act of 1890). Only a token mintage of 1,390 double eagles occurred in Philadelphia, plus 52 proofs. Carson City managed a 5,000-piece production.

The 1891 double eagle was an unheralded rarity for many years. At first, it was unwanted because most collectors had a proof, and didn't need a business strike. Later, the issue was an afterthought, with collectors still coping with many better-known Philadelphia rarities from the 1880s.

The issue started to realize its potential only within the past 15 years or so. It is estimated fewer than 100 examples survive -- and if the population reports are any indication, quite a few under 100 pieces exist once the multiple submissions are taken into account. Almost every coin of the issue is Prooflike, or partially so, because every coin minted was an early strike. There were no late strikes with such a small mintage.

The current example is perhaps more abraded than wished for, but the chatter is shallow with no heavy marks, and representative of the grade. The busy fields and portrait are balanced by original, pleasing orange-gold color and excellent remaining luster. Prooflikeness remains, particularly on the reverse. A bit of softness on Liberty's hair is a combination of light wear and minor weakness of strike at the center. The peripheral strike is excellent, with sharp stars and a high, bold rim, although a minor bruise is noted at 4 o'clock on the obverse. Population: 11 in 55, 12 finer (3/14).
From The Collection of Donald E. Bently, sold for the benefit of the Bently Foundation.(Registry values: N4719)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 26C2, PCGS# 9016, Greysheet# 9826)

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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