1885 $20 MS(PCGS#9003)

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

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

20040

Grade

MS62+

Price

132,000

Lot Description

A landmark offering among the Type III Liberty Head double eagles from the marvelous James A. Stack, Sr. cabinet, this phenomenal 1885 is a thoroughly appealing example of a legendary rarity. Beautiful surfaces offer blushes of soft pinkish-rose iridescence on dominant bright, even honey-gold color. The finish is decidedly semi-prooflike with appreciably reflective fields contrasting softly frosted motifs. Sharply defined overall from an expert strike, with an uncommonly smooth appearance for a large size gold coin at the threshold of Select Mint State preservation.<p>One of the most eagerly sought key date Liberty Head double eagles, the circulation strike 1885 has a mintage of just 751 coins. Since many of the survivors are semi-prooflike, as here, these coins are most easily distinguished from their identically dated Proof counterparts by looking at the placement of the date. On circulation strikes, the date is a bit farther to the left than on the Proofs, with the first digit 8 centered under the letter B in the designer's initials J.B.L. on the truncation of the bust. Only 100 or so examples are believed extant in all grades, all of which are highly desired by the legion of double eagle collectors active in today's market. Most are AU and represent coins that acquired light wear from use in the export trade and were subsequently repatriated after avoiding being melted overseas. Mint State survivors combine absolute rarity with awesome condition rarity; indeed, this is our first offering at this level in more than a decade. With pvery few 1885 double eagles equal to or exceeding this piece in quality or eye appeal, here is a particularly important offering that is worthy of the strongest bids.