1888 $20

Description

PCGS 1888 PR 64. Ex: Eliasberg. Only 102 proof double eagles were struck in 1888, and estimates of survivors vary from a low of 20-25 pieces (Akers, 1981) to as many as 35-40 (Breen, 1988). Both Breen and Bowers (in the Eliasberg catalog) make a point of mentioning that of the few known survivors, quite a few are nicked or somehow damaged, and 2-3 pieces are impounded in museums, further reducing the number of collectible specimens.
This is a truly spectacular coin whose warm rose tinted surfaces are deeply mirrored in the fields and contrast sharply against the thick mint frost on the devices. There are a few hairlines scattered about in the fields and these hairlines keep this amazing coin from grading even higher. The pedigree of this important proof can be easily confirmed by noting a few telltale spots of coppery color seen on the obverse: the largest is a spot in the right field between the hair bun and star 11, there is also a small one on the lower side of the truncation of the neck near the point of the bust, and there are also a couple of specks seen in the field below the back portion of the bust and hair curls. This is one of the finest proofs known of this Type Three issue. It is tied for finest certified with 8 other coins (5 other from PCGS, and 3 from NGC), and none are known any finer according to the May population data from PCGS and April figures from NGC.

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 26E9, PCGS# 9104, GSID# 10071)

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
Weight: 33.44 grams
AGW: 0.9675oz
Mintage: 105

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.

View Certification Details from PCGS