1896 $20, DCAM PR(PCGS#99112)

1896 $20, DCAM PR (PCGS#99112)

The January 2012 Americana Sale

详细说明: 1896 Liberty Double Eagle. Proof-63 Deep Cameo (PCGS). Last in a trio of proof 1896 gold coins consigned to our January 2012 Americana Sale (see the half eagle and eagle within their respective sections of this catalog), this double eagle possesses equally sharp cameo contrast to the finish. The devices are thickly frosted and intricately defined, while the fields possess both illimitable depth of reflectivity and a subtle, yet discernible "orange peel" texture. The entire package is dressed in handsome medium gold patina, the fields appearing to "go black" as the coin rotates away from a light. Presenting as Choice when viewed in hand, there are no sizeable or otherwise individually distracting handling marks to either side. As visually impressive and numismatically significant as only a well preserved proof Liberty double eagle can be.<br /> The most frequently encountered proof double eagle produced up to that point in time, the 1896 has the second highest mintage of the Liberty type after the turn of the 20th century. This is in no way a common issue -- the word "common" is not applicable to any proof double eagle, Liberty or Saint-Gaudens type -- and of the 128 coins originally struck, only 45 to 50 pieces are believed extant in all grades. Several survivors are impaired through circulation or other mishandling, further reducing the number of attractive, high quality specimens available to today's discerning gold specialists.