1889-CC $20 MS(PCGS#9011)

December 2025 Showcase Auction - The James A. Stack, Sr. Collection Part I

Commissaire-priseur

Stack's Bowers

Numéro du lot

20046

Grade

XF45

Prix

9 000

Description du lot

An elegant piece, exceptional at the Choice EF grade level, and more attractive that many AU Carson City Mint double eagles that we have handled over the years. Wonderfully original surfaces exhibit deep, rich, honey-orange color overall. To this is added more vivid outlines of iridescent reddish-rose to the design elements, along with hints of olive undertoning that come into view as the surfaces turn away from direct lighting. Luster quality is just as superior for the grade as the eye appeal, much of the frosty to semi-reflective finish coming readily into view as the coin is admired in hand. With bold to sharp detail overall and free from singularly distracting marks, this is a thoroughly PQ example.<p>The Carson City Mint produced just 30,945 double eagles in 1889. David W. Akers, writing in 1982, characterized Mint State examples as "very scarce," and although some specimens were undoubtedly plucked from overseas gold reserves by numismatists in subsequent years, the estimated number of Uncirculated survivors remains low. In 2004, Q. David Bowers in his <em>Guide Book of Double Eagle Gold Coins</em> gave a high-end estimate of just 200 Mint States examples, while Rusty Goe (2020) provides a more conservative estimate of 90 to 110 coins at this level. Such survivors are scarce relative to the strong demand enjoyed by CC-Mint gold coinage, which in turn places considerable collector pressure on premium high grade circulated examples, as here. This one is sure to sell for a strong price that does justice to its quality and beauty.