1902 $20 PR(PCGS#9118)
1902 $20 PR (PCGS#9118)
Spring 2025 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins
- 拍卖行
- Stack's Bowers
- 批号
- 3207
- 等级
- PR55
- 价格
- 74,968
- 详细说明
- Light handling separates this reflective, fully struck specimen from a higher grade. Handsome deep honey-orange color and wisps of silvery-rose provide plenty of eye appeal.<p>The United States Mint in Philadelphia struck 114 Proof double eagles in 1902, virtually all of which emerged with the all-brilliant finish that would characterize this Proof gold series through its end in 1907. According to John W. Dannreuther in the 2018 reference <em>United States Proof Coins</em>, only 60 to 80 examples can be traced for the Proof 1902. The experts at <em>PCGS CoinFacts</em> take a more conservative view with an estimate of just 40 to 50 known, which mirrors Jeff Garrett and Ron Guth's assertion that fewer than 50 specimens are extant (<em>Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins: 1795-1933</em>, 2008 edition). In either case this is a rare issue, and its desirability among numismatists is enhanced by the low mintage, key date status of the circulation strike 1902 Philadelphia Mint double eagle (just 31,140 coins struck).<p>As our extensive offerings from the Fairmont Collection in recent years have confirmed, the United States Mint of the late 19th and early 20th centuries disposed of many unsold Proof Liberty Head gold coins by dispersing them into commercial channels. This is just such a Proof 1902 double eagle although, as above, it experienced minimal actual handling, and certainly not enough to efface the Proof qualities. Additionally, an area of die polish at the bridge of Liberty's nose before the eye and weakness within the uppermost vertical stripes in the shield on the reverse are still clearly evident, these being significant diagnostics of the JD-1 attribution. This is a particularly intriguing offering for the classic Proof gold coin or advanced Liberty Head double eagle enthusiast, and one that will surely see spirited bidding.