1886 Liberty Head Double Eagle. Proof-66 * Ultra Cameo (NGC).
This premium quality Gem Proof 1886 double eagle really needs to be seen to be fully appreciated. Both sides feature golden-orange patina enhanced by stark cameo contrast between satiny devices and deeply mirrored fields. Virtually pristine, this coin would serve with distinction in the finest numismatic cabinet.
The 1886 double eagle is one of the "magic dates" in the classic U.S. gold coin series. Only the Philadelphia Mint struck coins of this denomination that year, but its output was limited to just 106 Proofs and 1,000 circulation strikes. Survivors from both mintages are of nearly equal rarity in todays market, with a slight edge in availability going to circulation strikes thanks to the repatriation of a few examples from foreign bank hoards in recent decades. In the historic numismatic market, circulation strikes of this date were hardly ever seen, and most collections of earlier generations either featured a Proof or lacked an 1886 double eagle altogether. The coin offered here is one of just 20 to 25 Proofs believed extant, and as one of the finest certified it holds tremendous appeal for advanced collectors.
PCGS# 99102.，NGC Census: 1; 2 finer in this category (both Proof-67+ Ultra Cameo).，
