1898 $20 PR65 UCAM NGC

An extraordinary masterpiece of late 19th-century United States proof coinage, this 1898 Liberty Head Double Eagle Proof ranks among the finest survivors of one of the most beautifully executed issues in the entire Proof Liberty double eagle series. The deeply mirrored fields display the coveted rippled "orange peel" texture so highly prized by advanced proof gold specialists, while the fully frosted devices create bold Ultra Cameo contrast of exceptional visual impact. Rich original orange-gold surfaces are complemented by delicate pale rose highlights around the peripheries, lending the coin remarkable originality and depth. Every design element is struck with absolute precision, from Liberty's intricate hair curls and coronet to the heraldic eagle's finely detailed feathers and shield, reflecting the extraordinary craftsmanship that characterized the Philadelphia Mint's proof coinage of 1898. The result is a breathtaking Gem proof whose eye appeal rivals that of virtually any Liberty double eagle available to today's collectors. A total of only 75 Proof double eagles were struck in 1898, delivered throughout the year in four small batches of 20, 20, 10, and 25 pieces. Although the issue enjoys a somewhat better survival rate than many other proof double eagles, John Dannreuther estimates that only 35 to 50 examples survive today, with several permanently impounded in institutional collections, including the Smithsonian Institution and the American Numismatic Society. Population figures are further complicated by decades of resubmissions and crossovers, making truly original, premium-quality specimens considerably scarcer than certification totals might suggest. This example represents Dannreuther Die State a/a, identified by the absence of die polish within the E PLU(RIBUS) scroll on the reverse, an important attribution for specialists.

As with all 1898-dated proof coinage, the issue was manufactured to an exceptionally high standard of quality, yet examples are encountered only rarely on the market, and true Gem Ultra Cameo survivors are among the most desirable of all Liberty Head double eagles. This magnificent specimen stands comfortably among the elite survivors, offering exceptional preservation, outstanding originality, and dramatic Ultra Cameo contrast that places it in the upper echelon of known examples. With a mintage of only 75 pieces, an estimated 35 to 50 survivors, and a comparable NGC PR65 Ultra Cameo example realizing $108,000 at Heritage Auctions in August 2019, this spectacular proof represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to acquire one of the greatest rarities in the Proof Liberty Head gold series and a true trophy for the advanced collector of United States gold coinage.

NGC Cert Verification #6055933-003/65

• PCGS Price Guide - $390,000
• PCGS POP - 1/4
• NGC Price Guide - $135,000
• NGC POP - 2/7
• PCGS Coin# - 99114