1900 $20 JD-1, High R.4, PR65 Cameo PCGS. CAC....

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1900 Double Eagle, PR65 Cameo
Tied for Finest Cameo Example

1900 $20 JD-1, High R.4, PR65 Cameo PCGS. CAC. Powerful yellow-gold mirrors show only occasional cloudy elements, though a small planchet flaw is noted near Liberty's chin. The contrast level is decidedly on the upper end of the Cameo scale, though ultimately it falls just short of the next level.

The double eagle is unusual among the year's gold proofs in that it was not the highest-mintage proof issue of its denomination up to that time. That honor goes to 1896's mintage of 128 proofs, four more than in 1900. Still, the relatively high mintage does not equate to widespread accessibility. In his book on proof gold, John Dannreuther estimates that just 55 to 70 examples survive to the present day.

While this issue was struck before the end of the golden age of strongly-contrasted brilliant proofs in 1902, coins with such definition are still scarce, with Dannreuther reporting, "although they do not all have frosted devices, there are heavy cameo coins." The certification totals bare out this observation. PCGS lists 37 non-Cameo, 8 Cameo, and 17 Deep Cameo examples, showing that only 40% contain significant contrast (6/25). However, this is likely inflated by resubmissions, as in our description of this coin when we last sold it in 2010 stated that, "a quick check of the PCGS Population Report reveals that out of 51 certification events as of (11/09), just 13 of those resulted in a Cameo or Deep Cameo grade". This significant increase from 25% to 40% suggests the forces of resubmissions were at play.

Regardless of the percentages, this example is engaged in a three-way tie for finest of the eight Cameo examples certified by PCGS, though there are also nine Deep Cameo coins at the same grade level, three finer Deep Cameos, and a PR66 coin without any contrast designation. Still, this is a pleasingly preserved and undeniably appealing Gem that commands respect as a high-end proof gold survivor.
Ex: FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2010), lot 2084, as part of a complete 10-piece 1900 proof set sold individually as lots 2075 to 2084.
From The Cleveland Lake Collection.

Coin Index Numbers: (Variety PCGS# 107361, Base PCGS# 89116)

Weight: 33.44 grams

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper

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View Certification Details from PCGS