1889 $20, DCAM PR(PCGS#99105)

The January 2012 Americana Sale

拍卖行

Stack's Bowers

批号

10726

等级

PR65

价格

555,211

详细说明

1889 Liberty Double Eagle. Proof-65 Ultra Cameo (NGC). While all proof Liberty double eagles are rightly recognized as true numismatic rarities in today's market, the actual rarity of the proof 1889 is often overlooked by more casual researchers and collectors. Perhaps it is because the 1889 is preceded by a trio of proof double eagle issues each with original mintages in excess of 100 pieces. The proof 1889, on the other hand, was produced to the extent of just 41 coins. Just 41 coins. This is the lowest mintage for any proof double eagle issue since 1880, and it is the final proof Liberty double eagle issue with an original delivery of fewer than 50 coins.<br /> Coupled with a limited mintage is an understandably poor rate of survival for a proof double eagle from the 1880s. The face value alone of these coins represents a significant sum of money by 1880s standards, and few contemporary Americans could afford to acquire a proof 1889 double eagle, let along retain it either on their own or within their families in subsequent years. Many examples were accordingly destroyed in the Mint as unsold, with a few others undoubtedly placed into circulation and, if they managed to survive at all, are no longer identifiable as proofs. While estimates on the number of proof 1889 double eagles extant vary, most numismatic references provide a total of only 12 pieces, and certainly no more than 15 coins. (We are even aware of one estimate in the range of only 10-12 survivors.)<br /> Undeniably rare in an absolute sense, this jaw dropping Gem is also an impressive condition rarity that ranks among the finest proof 1889 double eagles certified. Vivid orange gold surfaces are exceptionally smooth for being so delicate, both within the deeply mirrored fields and over the well frosted devices. The former are also characterized by a desirable "orange peel" texture, and the latter are fully struck with needle sharp definition throughout the design. An instant and unimpeachable highl