3225

1884 $20 PR66 Cameo NGC.

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1884 $20 PR66 Cameo NGC.
1884 $20 PR66 Cameo NGC. While not widely recognized, the 1884 may, in fact, be the rarest of the three proof-only double eagles from the 1880s. When one considers the total number known today, it certainly appears that way. Only 71 examples were struck and the survival rate is somewhat lower than for other proof double eagles of this era. Walter Breen estimated that "16 to 20" were known, but based on the number of auction appearances for this date in the past ten years, we believe a more reasonable estimate is 12 to 15 pieces. It should be remembered that two or three of these are impounded in museums and another one or two are impaired, which leaves an extremely limited number of pieces available to the serious collector. This is the finest 1884 double eagle certified by NGC or PCGS as a non-cameo, Cameo, or Deep Cameo. As such, we feel confident in calling this the finest example known of this key issue. The fields on this piece have the orange-peel texture that is so widely seen on proof gold of this era and they shine brightly with mirror-like intensity and unfathomable depth of reflectivity. The fields are also almost hairline-free and show no mentionable contact marks on either side. The design motifs are nicely frosted and provide a strong contrast against the "blackness" of the fields. If one wished to trace the pedigree of this important coin, the most reliable marker is a short, squiggly planchet flaw in the lower reverse field just above OL in DOLLARS. An outstanding rarity and presented here in the finest condition known. Rare gold aficionados would be well advised to be prepared to stretch in order to acquire this important rarity. Important notice: Heritage usually auctions material at the rate of 200-250 lots per hour. On some occasions eBay Live bid software or the Internet may not be able to keep up with the pace of the auction. We recommend placing a realistic absentee bid now as insurance to avoid disappointment. Occasionally the auctioneer may eliminate or reject an eBay Live bid, and the auctioneer may also reopen a lot after the close of the eBay live bidding (usually because we missed an audience bid), and may reject your bid even if it shows you as the winning bidder. By bidding via eBay Live, you agree that Heritage may award the lot to another bidder at its sole discretion under the circumstances described above or any other reasonable circumstances. Also please note that all Heritage lots purchased through eBay Live carry a 20% Buyer's Premium. Please make sure you read the Terms and Conditions before you bid.