1898 Liberty Head Double Eagle. JD-1. Rarity-5. Proof-65 Deep Cameo (PCGS). CMQ.This is a superior quality example of an issue that is typically regarded as one of the best produced in the Proof Liberty Head double eagle series. Both sides exhibit subtle silvery highlights to otherwise dominant, deep orange-gold color. The fields are highly reflective with the rippled orange peel texture that advanced Proof gold collectors find so appealing; this feature is a result of the Mint overheating the planchets during the annealing process and is characteristic of many Proof Liberty Head gold issues of the late 19th century. The fully defined, satiny devices are set apart from the fields in true cameo fashion.<p>As with 1898-dated Proofs of all denominations, the double eagle was manufactured to an exceptionally high standard of quality. The issue, however, is so elusive that most collectors will never have the opportunity to admire an example, let alone add one to their collections. Only 75 coins were produced and numismatic scholars account for 35 to 50 survivors, including a few carelessly handled specimens that are lightly worn or otherwise impaired. The number of truly superb examples available to todays collectors is further reduced by coins permanently off the market in museum collections such as the Mint Cabinet coin, now at the Smithsonian Institution, and examples held by the American Numismatic Society and the Connecticut State Library (Mitchelson Collection). As the PCGS population data listed below confirms, in Proof-65 Deep Cameo the coin offered here is one of the finest Proof 1898 Liberty Head double eagles obtainable. It is a beautiful Gem that will serve as a focal point in even the finest gold cabinet.PCGS# 99114. NGC ID: 26EK.PCGS Population: 2; 4 finer in this category (Proof-67+ Deep Cameo finest).From Heritages sale of the Greenwich Collection, Part II, August 2004 Pittsburgh Signature Sale, lot 7703; Heritages FUN Signature Auction of January 2009, lot 4160.
