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Description

1885 Gold Dollar, PR68 Ultra Cameo
Finest Known of This Higher-Mintage Date

1885 G$1 PR68 Ultra Cameo NGC. Starting in 1884, mintages of proof gold dollars soared from the low three figures to the low four figures, and the six "thousand-coin" dates from 1884 to 1889 are well-established as the most common classic proof gold issues. Of the six years, the 1885 attracted special attention from Garrett and Guth, who wrote in their 2006 edition of the Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins, "The 1885 issue is one of the most readily available gold dollars to locate in Proof. More representatives of this date have been offered at auction than any other."
Yet the authors also offer a caution: "A high mintage figure, and the fact that many business-strike coins are exceedingly deceptive, makes the date seem more common than it is. True Proofs can be very difficult to determine, and many top professionals cannot agree on some coins." Every once in a while, though, a coin comes along that leaves no doubt.
Every facet of this specimen fairly screams "proof." The intensely reflective yellow-gold mirrors that put even the deepest Prooflikes to shame, the thick frost across exquisitely textured devices that show the finest details on the bow of the wreath, the resultant contrast, and the partial wire rim on the reverse -- all are marvelous. If the proof 1885 gold dollar is considered a type coin, then this is its ultimate exemplar. As befits such a singular piece. Census: 1 in 68 Ultra Cameo, 0 finer (11/12).
From The Ives Devos Collection.(Registry values: P1)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 25EV, PCGS# 97635, Greysheet# 8195)

Weight: 1.70 grams

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper


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Auction Info

Auction Dates
January, 2013
9th-14th Wednesday-Monday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 7
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 797

Buyer's Premium per Lot:
17.5% of the successful bid per lot.

Sold on Jan 10, 2013 for: $31,725.00
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