1885 $5 PR66 Ultra Cameo NGC. CAC....

Description

1885 Liberty Five, PR66 Ultra Cameo
Rare 19th Century Proof Gold Issue

1885 $5 PR66 Ultra Cameo NGC. CAC. The date is placed to the left and the peak of the 1 is much nearer to the bust point than the tip of the 5 is to the right end of the truncation. From a mintage of only 66 proofs, few are known to survive today regardless of grade. For the 1980s perspective, Akers estimates that less than 25 examples survive, while Breen lists it as "Extremely rare, more so than its mintage suggests; enough so as to be almost a forgotten coin."

Contemporary sources are more divided on the availability of the proof 1885 half eagle; perhaps the availability of certified data, rather than crystallizing the rarity of the date, has served to obscure it instead with resubmissions. For example, PCGS lists "25 to 30 known" proof 1885 half eagles, in conjunction with that firm's 21 certification events for the issue. By contrast, Garrett and Guth in the Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins list a much lower ceiling, "perhaps 20 or so examples known."

On this Ultra Cameo Premium Gem proof, the fields are deeply mirrored with the characteristic "orange-peel" appearance and contrast drastically against the deeply frosted devices. Both sides are essentially untoned with a rich, golden finish. For pedigree purposes, a tiny horizontal scratch is seen to the left of Liberty's throat, and a contact mark is visible on her chin. A rare opportunity for the gold specialist. Census: 2 in 66 Ultra Cameo, 3 finer (12/14).(Registry values: P4)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 28CN, PCGS# 98480, Greysheet# 9241)

Weight: 8.36 grams

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper

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.

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