1870 $20 PR63 PCGS....

Description

1870 Twenty, PR63
Undesignated Field-Device Contrast
Rare and Important Type Two Proof

1870 $20 PR63 PCGS. It would be difficult to overstate the rarity and significance of any Type Two proof double eagle. The 1870 date in particular is rare, with only 35 proof twenties struck and a surviving population estimated at 10 to 12 pieces according to Doug Winter's recent research. Of these, few can be considered available for private collectors, since two proofs are in the Smithsonian, and another is with the American Numismatic Society's cabinet.

Our most recent research revealed nine traceable examples. The finest known was a PR66 PCGS example from the Eliasberg Collection and later Ed Trompeter, which then sold in the January 2007 Stack's Orlando sale. Doug Winter reports this coin now appears to be graded PR67 Ultra Cameo by NGC.

With so few proof twenties within the grasp of collectors, we are extremely enthused to list this current offering from the Usibelli Collection in Select Proof condition. It, too, is of the utmost rarity and desirability -- and offers an opportunity for perhaps a wider audience of double eagle specialists to own a classic Type Two twenty proof.

Like some (but not all) 1870 proof double eagles, this coin displays nice cameo contrast with mint frost on all devices including the dentils (the cameo designation was not available from PCGS when this coin was holdered in its green label capsule).

Rich gold color is tinged with red on the sharply struck portrait and eagle. Deeply mirrored fields reveal a few light marks, and the portrait has a few shallow contact marks on the cheek with a couple more hidden in the eagle's tail feathers. The eye appeal is excellent for this attractive Select proof twenty, and it offers a chance to acquire a highly desirable double eagle proof type that may not be repeated soon. Population: 1 in 63, 0 finer (11/13).
From The Usibelli Collection.(Registry values: P6)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 26DN, PCGS# 9085, GSID# 10017)

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
Weight: 33.44 grams
AGW: 0.9675oz
Mintage: 35

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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