1888 $20 JD-1, R.6, PR64 Deep Cameo PCGS. The proof-only 1887 double eagles that preceded the 1888 proofs were perhap...

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Consign your material to be auctioned alongside these items on Thursday, July 16, 2026 in Dallas, TX. Consignment Deadline for this auction is Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

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1888 Double Eagle, PR64 Deep Cameo
Only 20 to 30 Proofs Survive in All Grades

1888 $20 JD-1, R.6, PR64 Deep Cameo PCGS. The proof-only 1887 double eagles that preceded the 1888 proofs were perhaps a bit more carefully tended than the 1888 proofs. No 1887 circulation strikes were made, compared to the 1888 double eagles which were supported by a circulation strike mintage exceeding 226,000 pieces. The 1888 proof mintage was either 102 or 105 pieces, compared to 121 proofs struck in 1887. John Dannreuther estimates 30 to 40 1887 proofs survive compared to about 20 to 25 1888 proofs extant in all grades. Still, the 1888 examples are considered some of the most available proofs from the decade. This PR64 Deep Cameo example displays glassy orange-gold mirrored fields surrounding the richly frosted raised devices. A number of tiny, reddish alloy spots dot the otherwise nearly pristine surfaces. A few extremely faint slide marks are seen under magnification on Liberty's cheek and in the lower-right obverse field, the only argument against an even finer grade. The fields on this near-Gem proof are smooth and watery compared to some other 1888 proofs that show "orange-peel" texture -- a difference in the way the planchets were annealed.
While as many as 25 to 30 1888 proofs may actually exist today, condition is sometimes a problem for this date. Walter Breen noted in his 1988 Proof Encyclopedia: "Possibly 35-40 proofs survive, many nicked." When one examines the spread of grades in the population data for 1888 proofs at PCGS and NGC combined, this is also borne out. Non-Cameo coins are heavily weighted at the lower end of the grading spectrum. The lowest is a PR55 and the finest are several PR64 examples. Most likely it was these pieces that Breen was referring to as "many nicked." The Cameo examples range from PR61 to PR66, with 16 pieces in PR64 to PR66 grades. The 9 Deep/Ultra Cameo proofs that have been certified are certainly not in the problem category. Four are PR64, three are Gems, and there two Premium Gems (4/26). We expect many bids when this glittering Choice Deep Cameo proof is called. PCGS Population: 2 in 64 Deep Cameo, 3 finer (4/26).

Coin Index Numbers: (Variety PCGS# 107311, Base PCGS# 99104)

Weight: 33.44 grams

Metal: Gold

View Certification Details from PCGS