LOT #3292 |
Current Bid: $60,000
1888 $20 JD-1, R.6, PR64 Deep Cameo PCGS....
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Description
1888 Double Eagle, PR64 Deep Cameo
Only 20 to 25 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)
Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
Weight: 33.44 grams
AGW: 0.9675oz
Auction Info
2026 July 16 - 18 Summer FUN US Coins Signature® Auction #1394 (go to Auction Home page)
Proxy Bidding Ends
July
16th
Thursday
4:50 pm CT
Auction Dates
July
16th-18th
Thursday-Saturday
Proxy Bidding Time Remaining
8 Days
19h 51m 25s
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 26
Lot Tracking Activity: 72
Page Views: 1,312
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
22% of the successful bid (minimum $29) per lot.
This lot is in: 1 -
Signature® Premier Floor Session (Live Floor, Live Phone, Mail, Fax, Internet, and Heritage Live):
(Lots 3001-3354) - 5:00 PM Central Time, Thursday, July 16, 2026.
[Proxy bidding ends ten minutes prior to the session start time. Live Proxy bidding on Heritage Live now starts within 2 hours of when the auction opens for proxy bidding and continues through the live session.]
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Additional Location Info:
Heritage Auctions - Dallas
2801 W. Airport Freeway
Dallas, TX 75261
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