1893 $20 PR65 Deep Cameo PCGS. JD-1, Low R.7....

Description

1893 Liberty Twenty, PR65 Deep Cameo
Only 59 Specimens Struck
Finest-Certified Example

1893 $20 PR65 Deep Cameo PCGS. JD-1, Low R.7. The Philadelphia Mint decreased production of proof Liberty double eagles to just 59 pieces in 1893, with the coins delivered in quarterly batches of 18, 18, 6, and 17 pieces. Unfortunately, the issue has a low survival rate. John Dannreuther speculates this might be due to the ready availability of high-grade business-strikes (with a mintage of 344,280 pieces). The original owners of the proofs did not hold on to them so tightly during hard financial times, like the Panic of 1893, because it was easy to replace them with nice business strikes when times got better. In any case, the 1893 proof Liberty double eagle is an elusive issue in all grades today. PCGS and NGC have combined to certify only 13 specimens between them, with this coin being the single finest (1/24). Note: this coin was recently crossed over from an NGC PR65 Ultra Cameo holder, so the population data may still incorrectly list that certification event and may include other resubmissions and crossovers (3/24). Three of the PCGS coins are in circulated condition. Two uncertified examples are included in the National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian Institution and another is in the collection of the American Numismatic Society.

There are two proof die varieties known for the date. This coin represents the JD-1 variety, with the J in the designer's initials positioned above the left side of the 8 in the date. The vestiges of a truncated curl show below Liberty's ear, making it possible to distinguish between proofs and prooflike business strikes. The JD-1 is seen a little more often than the JD-2 variety, but it is still rare. John Dannreuther estimates the surviving population at 10 to 12 examples in all grades.

This delightful Gem proof exhibits razor-sharp definition on all the design elements and the deeply mirrored fields contrast profoundly with the richly frosted devices to create an intense cameo effect when the coin is tilted in the light. The well-preserved yellow-gold surfaces are free of mentionable distractions and overall eye appeal is terrific. This coin is the finest-certified example of this classic proof gold rarity and it has been off the market for more than 20 years. We expect intense competition from series specialists and Registry Set enthusiasts when this lot is called. This coin is pictured on PCGS CoinFacts. Population: 1 in 65 Deep Cameo, 0 finer (3/24).
Ex: Paul R. Goods Collection; Atlanta Signature (Heritage, 8/2001), lot 8202.(Registry values: P4)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 26EE, PCGS# 99109, Greysheet# 10088)

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
Weight: 33.44 grams
AGW: 1.06oz

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