1891 $20 MS61 PCGS....

Description

1891 Twenty, MS61
Rare Type Three Philadelphia Issue

1891 $20 MS61 PCGS. The Sherman Silver Purchase Act of 1890 stimulated large-scale production of silver dollars, but at the Philadelphia Mint it had the opposite effect on double eagle production. While millions of Morgans rolled from the coin presses, a barely noticed 1,390 twenties were prepared for circulation plus a proof mintage of just 52 pieces for collectors.
Virtually no examples of the 1891 double eagle business strikes were saved in high grades. Those who wanted to put aside an example of the date normally selected a proof, then considered the preferred way to save a date. Proofs were not recognized as a distinctly different issue.

When Doug Winter published his Fab Five list of Type Three double eagles, he included the 1891 date along with what were then more notable dates including the 1881, 1882, 1885, and 1886. At the time, he was aware of just three or four Uncirculated specimens of the 1891 twenty. A few more have surfaced since then (according to the major grading services) but not many, and some resubmissions may exist.

This example features bright mint luster and semiprooflike fields on both sides. The strike is sharp, although a little short of full on the highest points of the portrait. Abrasions from transport in cloth bags appear most noticeably on Liberty's neck plus one on the hair, keeping this lustrous coin from a higher Mint State status. Overall, the number of abrasions is fewer than normally seen for the assigned grade.
Peach-gold color and orange-red highlights give this coin excellent eye appeal, and the mint luster shimmers in unbroken waves. This radiant twenty is a prize for any seeker of rare Philadelphia gold. Population: 3 in 61, 3 finer (11/13).
From the collection of Donald E. Bently, sold for the benefit of the Bently Foundation.(Registry values: N7079)

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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