Lot 1831
1884. PCGS graded Proof 64 Deep Cameo PQ. CAC Approved. Only 45 minted. Lovely rich golden toning. Another wonderful proof gold coin. And an outstanding example, to say the least: certified as Proof 64 DCAM by PCGS, and as such, high Condition Census, with just four finer. How many different pieces this involves is anyone's guess. The present coin is beautiful in all respects -- frosted elements against deep mirrored surfaces with "orange peel" texture, razor-sharp strike, and advantages far in excess of most contenders. While this piece is not in the one-off category of Proof gold eagles as some of the previous two decades, still there are so few around that it may be years before we have an equivalent.
Some points relating to Proof gold: Proof gold coins from the gold dollar to the double eagle became available in 1858. They seem to have been offered singly by the Mint with more being ordered of the smaller denominations, most notably the dollar. In a period when few other contemporary gold pieces of any denomination were collected, the one-dollar pieces were popular (hence the large mintage figures in the 1880s). Scarcely anyone thought to buy the higher values such as $5, $10, and $20.
Proofs were produced yearly through 1901, most having frosted cameo surfaces set against deep mirror fields. Gold dollars and $3 pieces were last issued in 1889, after which a gold Proof set consisted of the $2.50, $5, $10, and $20.
Assembling a Type set of mirror Proof Liberty Head gold coins would probably require a substantial outlay, but the net result would be breathtaking to see! As noted in our other offerings in this sale, coins of the 1860s and 1870s rarely appear. Pop 2; 2 finer, 1 in 64+, 1 in 65 (PCGS # 98824) .
Estimated Value $22,000 - 25,000.
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| Realized $44,650 |
