1884 $20 Double Eagle, Judd-1738, Pollock-1949, Unique, Gilt, PR63 PCGS. CAC....

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1884 Liberty Double Eagle, PR63
Unique Twenty Dollar Pattern in Copper-Gilt
Ex: A.M. Smith

1884 $20 Double Eagle, Judd-1738, Pollock-1949, Unique, Gilt, PR63 PCGS. CAC. Ex: Simpson. The obverse and reverse dies are the same ones used on regular-issue double eagle coinage. Struck in copper with a reeded edge, later gilt. USPatterns.com explains the origin of the 1884 double eagle pattern in copper, Judd-1738, as follows:

"Although these have been described as regular die trial pieces, this is believed to have been deliberately struck as part of a unique copper set from the quarter to the double eagle, including the rare 1884 Trade dollar, given to A.M. Smith, who authored the Mints visitor's guides."

This explanation is reinforced by a cataloger's note that accompanied its first auction appearance in M.H. Bolender's 101st Sale.

"Note - All of the following thirteen trial pieces of U.S. silver and gold coins struck in copper were unknown to Mr. Adams and to Mr. Woodin, who published the first book on the subject. A.M. Smith got them from the superintendent of the mint in 1884 and they have remained in the Smith collection these fifty years, and have never been offered for sale."

The coins were listed individually in lots 22 through 34, with Judd-1738 in lot 34, "1884 $20.00 gold. Regular dies. Copper proof." The unique Judd-1738 had acquired its gilt surface by the time of its second auction appearance, in lot 1719 of Stack's Dr. Conway Bolt Collection catalog, in 1966 (see detailed pedigree below). This piece remains the only known example of this landmark pattern rarity.

This spectacular Select proof example exhibits razor-sharp definition on all design elements, with fine detail on the star centers and beads in the coronet. The pleasing yellow-gold surfaces show subtle hints of red at the peripheries. Scattered, minor signs of contact are evident, with the most notable being a short scratch in the field between stars 12 and 13. The outstanding eye appeal and high quality within the grade are attested by the CAC sticker. The advanced pattern collector will find no substitute for this unique pattern issue, once this lot has passed. This coin is pictured on PCGS CoinFacts. Population: 1 in 63, 0 finer. CAC: 1 in 63, 0 finer (11/23).
Ex: A.M. Smith; 101st Sale (M.H. Bolender, 2/1936), lot 34; Dr. Conway Bolt Collection (Stack's, 4/1966), lot 1719; Beverly Hilton Auction (Kagin's, 1/1975), lot 982; Jascha Heifetz Collection (Superior, 10/1989), lot 3395; Bob R. Simpson Collection.
Important Selections from The Bob R. Simpson Collection, Part XI.

Coin Index Numbers: (PCGS# 535321)

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