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Coin Profiles – Very Rare 1872 Double Eagle U.S. Proof Gold Coin

Sold by DWN: 1872 $20.00 PCGS PR64 CAC, Old Green Holder
Sold by DWN: 1872 $20.00 PCGS PR64 CAC, Old Green Holder

By Doug WinterRareGoldcoins.com
CoinWeek
Content Partner ……
 

I have handled some really amazing Proof gold coins in 2014, and one of the rarest and most interesting is this PCGS PR64 1872 double eagle. I’d like to share some information about this specific coin and about Proof Type Two double eagles in general.

The Type Two double eagle design was first used to strike business-strike double eagles in 1866, and it is clearly distinguishable by the presence of the motto IN GOD WE TRUST on the reverse. It continued until 1877 when the denomination was changed from TWENTY D. to TWENTY DOLLARS. Proofs were made for all eleven years of the Type Two issuance, but in very limited quantities. In fact, the total mintage figure is just 335 for the entire type, of which perhaps a third are still known. Proof Type Two double eagles are most often seen in PR63 to PR64 grades and most have either been cleaned at one time or are now bright from having been conserved.

A total of 30 Proof 1872 double eagles were made, and it is estimated that fewer than 10 are known. Of these, at least two are impounded in institutional collections (ANS and Smithsonian/US Mint) and another two have been cleaned at one time and, by today’s standards, grade in the PR62 to PR63 range. The finest known is likely a single PR66DCAM graded by PCGS which last sold for $143,750 as Stacks 6/02: 127. In the last decade there have been seven auction appearances for Proof double eagles of this date (including at least two or three coins with multiple sales) with only one since 2009. The most recent appearance is, in fact, for the coin which I just sold. Graded PR64 by PCGS and housed in an old green label holder, this coin sold for $135,125 as Heritage 10/14: 5111.

This coin, which is the only 1872 double eagle approved by CAC, shows nice orange-gold color with fully reflective surfaces. It would certainly be designated as a Cameo if it were resubmitted to PCGS; it was graded by this service before that adjectival modifier was added to Proof gold coinage. The obverse shows some light hairlines in the left field which limit the grade, while the reverse is a full-blown Gem.

This coin was recently consigned to auction as part of a small group of impressive Proof gold coinage which was, supposedly, the property of a La Jolla woman. A bit of cursory research reveals that this coin has not been in auction since it was slabbed and its previous pedigree.

As I mentioned above, the survival rate for this type in Proof is around one-third of the original mintage and this figure is slightly skewed by the 1876—with a mintage of 50—that seems to have a survival rate which is closer to half of the original mintage. One must remember that $20 was a huge sum of money in the late 1860’s/early 1870’s, and only the wealthiest collectors could realistically afford to buy a Proof double eagle and save it.

Given the fact that Proof Type One double eagles are out of the price range of all but the wealthiest collectors in today’s collecting environment, coins such as this attractive Type Two gain added stature as essentially the oldest issues of this denomination which can be obtained.

Do you collect Proof gold coinage?  Would you like to begin a collection of these magnificent rarities? Contact me, Doug Winter, directly at [email protected] to formulate a buying strategy that is right for you.

About Doug Winter

Doug_Winter2Doug has spent much of his life in the field of numismatics; beginning collecting coins at the age of seven, and by the time he was ten years old,  buying and selling coins at conventions in the New York City area.

In 1989, he founded Douglas Winter Numismatics, and his firm specializes in buying and selling choice and rare United States coins, especially US gold coins and all branch mint material.

Recognized as one of the leading specialized numismatic firms, Doug is an award winning author of over a dozen numismatic books and the recognized expert on US Gold. His knowledge and exceptional eye for properly graded and original coins has made him one of the most respected figures in the numismatic community and a sought after dealer by collectors and investors looking for professional personalized service, a select inventory of impeccable quality and fair and honest pricing.  Doug is also a major buyer of all US coins and is always looking to purchase collections both large and small.  He can be reached at 214-675-9897.

Doug has been a contributor to the  Guidebook of United States Coins (also known as the “Redbook”) since 1983, Walter Breen’s Encyclopedia of United States and Colonial Coins,  Q. David Bowers’ Encyclopedia of United States Silver Dollars and Andrew Pollock’s United States Pattern and Related Issues

In addition he has authored 13 books on US Gold coins including:

  • Gold Coins of the New Orleans Mint: 1839-1909
  • Gold Coins of the Carson City Mint: 1870 – 1893
  • Gold Coins of the Charlotte Mint: 1838-1861
  • Gold Coins of the Dahlonega Mint 1838-1861
  • The United States $3 Gold Pieces 1854-1889
  • Carson City Gold Coinage 1870-1893: A Rarity and Condition Census Update
  • An Insider’s Guide to Collecting Type One Double Eagles
  • The Connoisseur’s Guide to United States Gold Coins
  • A Collector’s Guide To Indian Head Quarter Eagles
  • The Acadiana Collection of New Orleans Coinage
  • Type Three Double Eagles, 1877-1907: A Numismatic History and Analysis
  • Gold Coins of the Dahlonega Mint, 1838-1861: A Numismatic History and Analysis
  • Type Two Double Eagles, 1866-1876: A Numismatic History and Analysis

Finally Doug is a member of virtually every major numismatic organization, professional trade group and major coin association in the US.

If you are interested in buying or selling classic US coins or if you would  like to have the world’s leading expert work with you assembling a set of coins? Contact Doug Winter at (214) 675-9897 or by email at [email protected].
 

Doug Winter
Doug Winterhttps://www.raregoldcoins.com
Doug Winter founded Douglas Winter Numismatics (DWN) in 1985. The nationally renowned firm specializes in buying and selling rare United States gold coins. He has written over a dozen books, including the standard references on Charlotte, Dahlonega, and New Orleans gold coinage, and Type 1 Liberty Head Double Eagles. Douglas has also contributed to the A Guidebook of United States Coins, Walter Breen’s Encyclopedia of United States and Colonial Coins, Q. David Bowers’ Encyclopedia of United States Silver Dollars, and Andrew Pollock’s United States Pattern and Related Issues. He is a member of the PNG, the ANA, the ANS, the NLG, CAC, PCGS, and NGC - among other professional affiliations. Contact Doug Winter at [email protected].

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2 COMMENTS

  1. Mister Doug Winter
    I Have a 20$ gold coin year 1872 is there any possibility that you may tell the Price of the coin thanks

    • Hi Eduardo,

      The best way to ask Doug a question is to email him at [email protected]. But you could also check out the Guide Book of United States Coins (the “Red Book”), published by Whitman Publishing.

      Good luck!

      -Hubert

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