1881 $20 PR62 Deep Cameo PCGS. CAC. JD-1, High R.5....

Description

1881 Double Eagle, PR62 Deep Cameo
Famous Low-Mintage Issue
18 to 22 Proofs Survive

1881 $20 PR62 Deep Cameo PCGS. CAC. JD-1, High R.5. Ex: Trompeter. This year witnessed the first in a series of minuscule double eagle deliveries from the Philadelphia Mint that would continue through 1887. In 1883, 1884, and 1887, the Mint delivered only proofs, while in the remaining years the production of business strikes was so small that extant representatives are equally as elusive as their proof counterparts. The current issue is no exception to this rule. The Philadelphia Mint produced a mere 2,260 business-strike double eagles in 1881 and 61 proof specimens. Numismatic scholars believe that, of the former, 40 to 60 pieces are extant in all grades, but only a handful are in Mint State. John Dannreuther estimates proof survivors number no more than 18 to 22 pieces, of which one is impounded in the ANS Museum and another is part of the Smithsonian's holdings. A single pair of dies was used to strike all the proofs.

An undeniably important offering for the advanced gold specialist, the present coin also boasts superior eye appeal for the grade. Scattered hairlines are evident under a loupe and seem to account for the PR62 designation. Outwardly, however, the surfaces display a relatively clean appearance with a single contact mark below Liberty's nose being the only worthwhile pedigree marker. The Deep Cameo contrast is noted, but the fields reveal the depth of reflectivity that one would expect from proof production methods. Fully struck with warm, original orange-gold and green-gold coloration. Population: 2 in 62 Deep Cameo, 7 finer (6/24).
Ex: Ed Trompeter Collection, private treaty to Heritage Auctions and Sil DiGenova in 8/1998; Philadelphia Signature (Heritage, 8/2000), lot 7575; The Greenwich Collection, Part Two/Pittsburgh Signature (Heritage, 8/2004), lot 7693.(Registry values: P4)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 26E2, PCGS# 99097, Greysheet# 10052)

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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