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Description

Important Near-Mint 1891 Double Eagle

1891 $20 AU58 PCGS. One peculiarity of the 1891 double eagle is that while it is considered one of the most important Philadelphia twenties in the Type Three Liberty series, earlier collectors often dismissed the business strikes. As recounted by Garrett and Guth in their Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins, "Many of the important collections of previous generations did not have a circulation-strike example of the 1891 double eagle. Collectors considered a Proof example to be preferable and not a distinctly different issue."
They note that, by contrast, "Modern numismatists now realize the importance of many previously overlooked Philadelphia issues. The 1891 double eagle is a prime example." With an astonishingly low production of just 1,390 business strikes, the 1891 is the last of the absolutely scarce Liberty double eagles out of the mother Mint; the 1892 has over three times the original mintage, and each future issue saw at least five-figure output.
This gleaming honey-gold survivor has moderately reflective, watery surfaces, a common feature among low-mintage issues in general and the 1891 in particular. Though light marks are present on each side and a touch of friction affects the high points, the impressive luster and sharp strike fortify this near-Mint example's considerable visual appeal. An attractive piece that is one of the more notable coins in the Baltimore Collection and could fill the same role in virtually any other cabinet. Population: 6 in 58, 4 finer (10/08).
From The Baltimore Collection.
(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.

View Certification Details from PCGS

Auction Info

Auction Dates
October, 2008
23rd-25th Thursday-Saturday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 24
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 787

Buyer's Premium per Lot:
15% of the successful bid per lot.

Sold on Oct 24, 2008 for: $48,875.00
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