1886 Liberty Head Double Eagle. JD-1, the only known dies. Rarity-6-. Proof-67 Deep Cameo (PCGS).This dazzling Superb Gem Proof 1886 double eagle really needs to be seen to be fully appreciated. Both sides feature rich golden-orange color 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.<p>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 25 to 30 Proofs believed extant, per John W. Dannreuther (2018), and as the finest certified by PCGS it holds tremendous appeal for advanced collectors.PCGS# 99102. NGC ID: 26E7.PCGS Population: just 1 at the Proof-67 grade level, in all categories; 0 finer.
