Finest PCGS Proof 1900 Double Eagle
Type 3 : Reverse with motto “IN GOD WE TRUST”, denomination “TWENTY DOLLARS”.
From an original mintage of 124 Proof Double Eagles for 1900, near the upper end of production levels for Longacre’s Liberty Head design, estimates are that roughly half of those survive, grading from circulated Proofs to this Superb Gem, with most falling between Proof-63 and Proof-65. While PCGS has certified more ‘Deep Cameos’ than ‘Cameos’ of this date, the level of contrast for Proof 1900 Double Eagles is noticeably less than seen on the intense deep cameos of the late 1890s, and therefore, most Proofs of this date should be considered no better than ‘Cameo’ by comparison.
This 1900 ‘Coronet’ or ‘Liberty Head’ Double Eagle is the plate coin for the date in John Dannreuther’s monumental “United States Proof Coins – Part IV: Gold”, published in two large volumes. Dannreuther’s work has instantly become the defining reference for Proof Gold Coins, replacing Walter Breen’s “Encyclopedia of United States and Colonial Proof Coins” first published in 1977. Parts I, II, and III of Dannreuther’s work will follow, covering Proof Copper, Nickel, and Silver.
This 1900 Proof has been recognized as the finest example of the issue since its last public auction appearance nearly twenty years ago. Light yellow-gold in color, the devices, stars, numerals and letters exhibit a snowy yellow frost, in strong contrast to the deeply reflective watery fields. The few faint, wispy hairlines are unavoidable for a proof gold coin of this size, and are easily overlooked.
When offered by Superior Galleries in October 2000, this was then the first and only 1900 Double Eagle certified as PR67 by NGC, with none finer. Today, after crossing over to PCGS in November 2014, it stands as the first and only 1900 Double Eagle certified as PR67 by PCGS, with none finer. Regardless of date, these large Proof gold coins are simply impressive, and remain in strong demand regardless of market environment.
PCGS #30911566
PROVENANCE
Superior Galleries, October 2000, lot 4833 @ $87,975 as NGC PR67CAM #958798-001; Crossed to PCGS PR67CAM in November, 2014 (per John Dannreuther); ‘Florida’ Collection of United States Proof Gold.