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1891 $20 PR68★ Deep Cameo NGC. This coin is the single finest known example of any proof Liberty double eagle of any date certified at either NGC or PCGS. Besides its phenomenal condition, this is an exceedingly rare date, with a total mintage of 1,390 business strikes and 52 proofs. Q. David Bowers' A Guide Book of Double Eagle Gold Coins notes that this date "has long been recognized as a rarity in any grade." The history of bimetallism (or the lack thereof) and its relationship to the present coin is worth exploration. In 1837 the U.S. government pegged the ratio of gold to silver at 16 to 1. During the War Between the States (1861-1865), little silver was mined, and there were no major discoveries of the metal. An immediate consequence of the aftermath of the Civil War had to do with the circulation of $450 million in "greenback" notes that were unbacked by gold or silver reserves. Farmers and other debtors supported the issuance of increased numbers of greenbacks, which would spur inflation and lessen in absolute terms their ultimate debt repayments. Farmers supported inflation because they incurred debts in the spring and discharged them in the fall. Lenders and the wealthy, on the other hand, wanted to eliminate the circulating greenbacks and to return to a gold-backed currency, which would reduce inflation and ensure that they were paid, or repaid, in "hard currency." In 1873, silver was demonetized and the nation adopted the gold standard, leading the farmers and debtors to band together with Western silver-mining interests to rally against what they termed the "Crime of '73." By 1877 debate raged regarding "Free Silver," with advocates, generally Western silver miners and the aforementioned debtors, endorsing the unlimited coinage of silver dollars, while Easterners and creditors generally preferred gold's stability. The "Free Silver" forces won a partial victory with the 1878 passage of the "fatally stupid" Bland-Allison Act, as Walter Breen called it. The (PCGS# 99107)
Auction 394 | Lot: 3581 | Jan 7, 2006

Sold For: $299,000.00
1900 $5 PR68 Deep Cameo PCGS. (PCGS# 98495)
Auction 454 | Lot: 3210 | Jan 12, 2008

Sold For: $218,500.00
1899 $10 PR68 ★ Ultra Cameo NGC. (PCGS# 98839)
Auction 1108 | Lot: 3458 | Jun 2, 2008

Sold For: $149,500.00
1898 $10 PR68 Ultra Cameo NGC. Ex: Norweb. With great pride we present the highest graded proof Liberty Head eagle, another entry in our consignment of high grade 1898 gold coins from the quarter eagle through double eagle, all grading PR66 to PR68 by NGC, and all with Ultra Cameo surfaces. The recorded mintage for proof 1898 eagles is 67 pieces. The Garrett-Guth Gold Encyclopedia comments concerning this issue and this specific piece, "The 1898 eagle is one of the more common Proofs of this era, found in a wide range of grades from lightly circulated PF-58 to PF-68. In case the PF-68 number failed to impress, note that this is the only date in the entire series that has ever earned that lofty grade. The certified population ballooned in this year, doubtless because of resubmissions, but the variety of grades is so well dispersed that it is impossible to determine where the numbers have been inflated. There are probably 30 to 40 coins known today, which is still a very tiny number. The Smithsonian has two PF-64 examples, both of which are deep cameos."

Ambassador and Mrs. R. Henry (Emery May Holden) Norweb were another famous "collector couple" fortunate enough to be present at the 1954 Palace Collection sale of the numismatic treasures of the deposed King Farouk of Egypt. As a young girl, Emery May Holden learned the love and lore of coins from her father, Albert Fairchild Holden, publisher of the Cleveland Plain Dealer newspaper and an active collector from 1910 to 1913, as well as her grandfather Liberty Holden, who had interests in mining and newspapers, and specialized in medals of George Washington. A gift of a 1795 pendant-mounted gold eagle to young Emery May from her grandfather, made when she was 11 or 12 years old in 1915, launched her lifetime of coin collecting. Many years later she and her diplomat husband resumed collecting with a vengeance, through purchases from illustrious auction sales such as the memorable King Far (PCGS# 98838)
Auction 422 | Lot: 3665 | Jan 6, 2007

Sold For: $149,500.00
1899 $10 PR68★ Ultra Cameo NGC. (PCGS# 98839)
Auction 1166 | Lot: 4994 | Jan 8, 2012

Sold For: $138,000.00
1899 $5 PR68★ Ultra Cameo NGC. (PCGS# 98494)
Auction 1223 | Lot: 4393 | Aug 12, 2015

Sold For: $135,125.00
1900 $5 PR68+ Deep Cameo PCGS. CAC. JD-1, R.4. (PCGS# 98495)
Auction 1314 | Lot: 3802 | Apr 26, 2020

Sold For: $126,000.00
1895 $1 PR68 Ultra Cameo NGC. (PCGS# 97330)
Auction 1147 | Lot: 4037 | Dec 5, 2010

Sold For: $121,643.55
1895 $1 PR68 Deep Cameo PCGS. In the final decade of the 19th century, the purchasing of sets of proofs had become an annual ritual for several hundred American coin collectors, fewer still for those wealthy enough to include the gold issues. In fact, a mere 880 proof sets with the Silver Dollar were sold in 1895, a number whose significance was not understood at the time but which (would) become very clear as later generations of numismatists attempted to complete their sets of Morgan Dollars. Aside from the annual issue of Proofs, coins of this type were routinely ignored by the vast majority of hobbyists. It was not until decades later in the 1950s and 1960s that collectors sought to own an example of each mint's products for each respective date. Only then did it become apparent that none of the 12,000 1895 Philadelphia Mint Dollars reportedly struck for circulation were extant. Not a single verifiable example could be located, and the demand for this issue has ever since fallen entirely on the few hundred Proofs minted that year. With the small original production of circulation strikes seemingly lost forever to the mass meltings of 1918-20, the Proof 1895 Silver Dollar has become one of the keys to completing the enormously popular Morgan Dollar series.

High grade specimens are among the most sought-after all of Morgan Dollars. To label this intensely mirrored, untoned specimen merely a Gem is really an injustice, perhaps even an understatement, and the dramatic contrast between the illimitable depth of the fields and the richly frosted devices must be seen to be truly appreciated. An undeniably important Morgan Dollar, the only PR68 Deep Cameo yet certified by either major service, and a coin with runaway potential. (PCGS# 97330)
Auction 328 | Lot: 8978 | Jul 30, 2003

Sold For: $120,750.00
1898 $5 PR68 Deep Cameo PCGS Secure. (PCGS# 98493)
Auction 1238 | Lot: 4300 | Aug 14, 2016

Sold For: $117,500.00
1898 $5 PR68 Ultra Cameo NGC. In 1898, just 75 proof half eagles were coined, less than half the mintage of the quarter eagle of this same year. Like most proof gold issues from this time period, it is generally believed that about half the original mintage still survives, or about 35 coins. Of all the survivors, we are unable to imagine any that have a higher degree of aesthetic appeal or overall technical quality than this piece. Aside from a few mint-made defects, it is essentially a perfect coin, just like the day it was made. It is far finer than the PR64 example in the Bass Collection, for instance, and also finer than the Choice Proof example in the Pittman Collection. Perhaps only the Trompeter coin, described as a Superb Gem could possibly rival this piece.

A tiny u-shaped lint mark is evident in the obverse field, just southeast of star 3, and an additional tiny "lint patch" can be seen at the northwest point of star 12. Every facet of the strike is exquisitely detailed, right down to the fine die polishing lines within the white spaces of the shield on the reverse. The surfaces are deeply mirrored with the desirable wavy appearance in the fields. All of the devices have exceptional mint frost, with brilliant yellow-gold color on each side. The rims on each side appear to have a deeper lemon-yellow color to serve as a frame for this work of art. This example is the single finest piece graded by either PCGS or NGC, and is almost certainly the finest known proof half eagle of the date.
From The Belle Glade Collection. (PCGS# 98493)
Auction 414 | Lot: 5517 | Aug 14, 2006

Sold For: $115,000.00
1898 $5 PR68 Ultra Cameo NGC. JD-1, R.5. (PCGS# 98493)
Auction 1311 | Lot: 4430 | Jan 12, 2020

Sold For: $108,000.00
1877 $2 1/2 PR68 Ultra Cameo NGC. CAC. (PCGS# 97903)
Auction 1175 | Lot: 5646 | Oct 21, 2012

Sold For: $94,000.00
1842 H10C PR68★ Ultra Cameo NGC. (PCGS# 94418)
Auction 1104 | Lot: 2378 | Apr 19, 2008

Sold For: $92,000.00
1887 $1 PR68 Ultra Cameo NGC. (PCGS# 97322)
Auction 1311 | Lot: 4279 | Jan 12, 2020

Sold For: $90,000.00
1895 $1 PR68 Deep Cameo NGC. The Philadelphia Mint produced 12,000 business strike Morgan Dollars in 1895--at least that's what the official government records say. To date, collectors have failed to confirm the existence of a single business strike example. Although well known to specialists, we repeat here two of the more popular theories surrounding this mysterious business strike issue:

1. The 12,000 coins reported in the Philadelphia Mint ledger could have represented the last of the 1894-dated coins delivered to the chief coiner.

2. Twelve bags of business strike 1895 Dollars could have been produced, yet retained in federal vaults until they were destroyed after passage of the Pittman Act in 1918.

Perhaps we will never know whether or not the Philadelphia Mint produced business strike Dollars in 1895, or, if it did, what happened to all of the coins. What we do know for certain is that Morgan Dollar specialists will need to acquire an example of the 880 proof specimens in order to have a representative of the 1895-P.

Among the finest specimens that we have ever offered, this Superb Deeply Cameoed Gem displays a brilliant, snow-white appearance over each side. The glassy fields and boldly impressed devices are equally free of grade-limiting blemishes as would be required of the grade. Deep cameo contrast is evident on both sides, resulting in its warranted designation. We anticipate extremely strong bidder demand for this carefully preserved and highly appealing proof. (PCGS# 97330)
Auction 334 | Lot: 8759 | Nov 10, 2003

Sold For: $89,700.00
1899 $5 PR68 Ultra Cameo NGC. CAC. (PCGS# 98494)
Auction 1128 | Lot: 1268 | Aug 2, 2009

Sold For: $86,250.00
1910 5C PR68 Deep Cameo PCGS Secure. CAC. (PCGS# 93908)
Auction 1276 | Lot: 3834 | Jun 17, 2018

Sold For: $84,000.00
1842 H10C PR68★ Ultra Cameo NGC. (PCGS# 94418)
Auction 1201 | Lot: 5183 | Jan 12, 2014

Sold For: $82,250.00
1898 $2 1/2 PR68 Deep Cameo PCGS. (PCGS# 97924)
Auction 1187 | Lot: 3308 | Jul 14, 2013

Sold For: $82,250.00
1897 $2 1/2 PR68 Deep Cameo PCGS. CAC. JD-1, High R.4. (PCGS# 97923)
Auction 1348 | Lot: 3383 | Aug 28, 2022

Sold For: $81,000.00
1896 $1 PR68 Deep Cameo PCGS. CAC. (PCGS# 97331)
Auction 1201 | Lot: 5337 | Jan 12, 2014

Sold For: $76,375.00
1879 T$1 PR68 Ultra Cameo NGC. (PCGS# 97059)
Auction 1154 | Lot: 5244 | May 1, 2011

Sold For: $74,750.00
1880 T$1 PR68 Ultra Cameo NGC. The last business strike Trade dollar was coined in 1878. Proofs continued for an additional seven years, although the final two issues, the 1884 and 1885, are prohibitive rarities whose existence was unknown until 1908, when they emerged from the estate of Philadelphia coin dealer William Idler. This long run of proof-only years is unprecedented except in the half cent series, which had proof-only dates in 1836, and again from 1840 to 1848. This brings to mind the question, why were the proof-only Trade dollars struck, when there was no chance that the series would be resumed for commercial production? The Trade dollars were unwelcome in domestic circulation, because they were not legal tender, and their bullion value was less than their face value. Collectors then and now, however, enjoyed the look of a large silver coin in brilliant proof finish. In fact, proof Trade dollar mintages were higher than proof Morgan dollar emissions, between 1878 and 1880. Between 1881 and 1883, proof Morgan dollar mintages were only slightly higher than corresponding Trade dollar productions. The real question, then, is why proof Trade dollar mintage essentially ended in 1884, aside from the minuscule and clandestine 1884 and 1885 issues. Congress did not repeal the law authorizing Trade dollars until February 1887. Presumably, turnover within an important Treasury or Mint position contributed to the decision to omit production of 1884 proofs, which then became Mint policy.

This is a magnificent specimen, so close to perfect that one almost expects to find a COPY stamp somewhere. The strike is razor-sharp, even on the eagle's claws and Liberty's hair. All legends and devices are thickly frosted throughout. Dramatic contrast between the motifs and the darkly mirrored fields confirms the elusive Ultra Cameo designation. The fields are as smooth as if the piece was lifted from the dies with a gloved hand, and never handled since. Perfection is denied only nearly impe (PCGS# 97060)
Auction 420 | Lot: 1152 | Nov 30, 2006

Sold For: $74,750.00
1899 $2 1/2 PR68+ Deep Cameo PCGS. CAC. JD-1, R.4. (PCGS# 97925)
Auction 1371 | Lot: 4316 | Jan 14, 2024

Sold For: $72,000.00
1910 5C JD-1, R.1, PR68 Deep Cameo PCGS. CAC. (PCGS# 103043)
Auction 1390 | Lot: 3063 | Jan 17, 2026

Sold For: $67,100.00
1898 $1 PR68+★ Ultra Cameo NGC. (PCGS# 97333)
Auction 1254 | Lot: 4185 | Apr 30, 2017

Sold For: $64,625.00
1900 $2 1/2 PR68 Deep Cameo PCGS. CAC. (PCGS# 97926)
Auction 1211 | Lot: 3925 | Nov 10, 2014

Sold For: $64,625.00
1953 50C PR68 Ultra Cameo NGC. A masterful strike brings up the subtler design elements on each side of this Superb Gem Franklin half, the only PR68 Ultra Cameo (or Deep Cameo) of the 1950-1953 period. Even close inspection of the fragile proof surfaces, with the aid of a magnifier, fails to reveal a single noteworthy flaw. The snow-white central devices are beautifully contrasted against the background of jet-black, deeply reflective fields. This offering represents an exciting opportunity for the proof Franklin half specialist to acquire one of the finest specimens produced in the early 1950s. (PCGS# 96694)
Auction 414 | Lot: 5272 | Aug 14, 2006

Sold For: $63,250.00
1901 $2 1/2 PR68+ Ultra Cameo NGC. (PCGS# 97927)
Auction 1219 | Lot: 5267 | Apr 26, 2015

Sold For: $61,687.50
1898 $2 1/2 PR68 Ultra Cameo NGC. Ex: Pittman. With this lot, Heritage is pleased to begin our offering of a complete 1898 gold proof set, from the quarter eagle through the double eagle, all to be auctioned individually and each graded from PR66 to PR68 by NGC with the Ultra Cameo designation. The legendary John Jay Pittman is one of numismatics' foremost success stories. His tale is an instructive one that bears repeating. Pittman was for many years a chemical engineer at Eastman Kodak Company in Rochester, New York. Pittman managed to raise a family on a salary of from $10,000 to $15,000 per year. He took half of his salary to buy coins, concentrating mostly on what few others desired at the time. Proof U.S. gold coins were one of his specialties, but he was equally fond of foreign coins, including those of Canada, Cuba, Great Britain, Japan, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, and Sweden. Unafraid to take a gamble, Pittman, realizing that the coins in the 1954 auction of the deposed Egyptian King Farouk's collection would likely go for quite reasonable prices, is said to have taken a second mortgage on his home to make the trip to Cairo and bid on the coins, which turned out to be among his most significant acquisitions. A perfect demonstration of "buying straw hats in winter," Pittman invested about $100,000 during his lifetime on coins. He always bought the highest-graded, most historically significant coins he could--proof gold before 1858 was a particular favorite--and he held what he bought for many years, leaving the rest up to a free-market economy and the law of supply and demand. Pittman passed away in 1996, and David Akers oversaw the sale of his collection in two parts in 1997 and 1998. John Jay Pittman's collection, in total, fetched upwards of $30 million. One coin alone--an 1833 half eagle for which Pittman paid $635 in the King Farouk auction--brought $467,500.

Regarding this specific piece, the Garrett-Guth Gold Encyclopedia records, "A singl (PCGS# 97924)
Auction 422 | Lot: 3439 | Jan 6, 2007

Sold For: $60,375.00
1951 50C PR68 Ultra Cameo NGC. (PCGS# 96692)
Auction 1362 | Lot: 3089 | Jul 23, 2023

Sold For: $60,000.00
1899 $2 1/2 PR68 Deep Cameo PCGS. CAC. JD-1, R.4. (PCGS# 97925)
Auction 1344 | Lot: 3605 | May 8, 2022

Sold For: $60,000.00
1892 $1 PR68★ Ultra Cameo NGC. (PCGS# 97327)
Auction 1151 | Lot: 5696 | Jan 9, 2011

Sold For: $57,500.00
1900 $2 1/2 PR68+ Deep Cameo PCGS. CAC. (PCGS# 97926)
Auction 1225 | Lot: 3488 | Oct 29, 2015

Sold For: $56,400.00
1896 $2 1/2 PR68 Deep Cameo PCGS. CAC. (PCGS# 97922)
Auction 1223 | Lot: 4309 | Aug 12, 2015

Sold For: $56,400.00
1897 $2 1/2 PR68★ Ultra Cameo NGC. CAC. (PCGS# 97923)
Auction 454 | Lot: 3102 | Jan 12, 2008

Sold For: $52,900.00
China: People's Republic of China. Gold Unicorn 500 Yuan (5 oz) 1995,
Auction 3020 | Lot: 23556 | Sep 11, 2012

Sold For: $52,880.88
1896 $2 1/2 PR68 Ultra Cameo NGC. (PCGS# 97922)
Auction 1219 | Lot: 5263 | Apr 26, 2015

Sold For: $52,875.00
1901 $2 1/2 PR68★ Ultra Cameo NGC. CAC. JD-1, Low R.4. (PCGS# 97927)
Auction 1376 | Lot: 4050 | Aug 18, 2024

Sold For: $52,800.00
1901 $2 1/2 PR68+ Deep Cameo PCGS. CAC. JD-1, Low R.4. (PCGS# 97927)
Auction 1310 | Lot: 10125 | Sep 17, 2020

Sold For: $52,800.00
1882 $1 PR68 Deep Cameo PCGS. (PCGS# 97317)
Auction 1258 | Lot: 4062 | Aug 6, 2017

Sold For: $51,700.00
1896 $2 1/2 PR68 Deep Cameo PCGS. CAC. JD-1, High R.4. (PCGS# 97922)
Auction 1371 | Lot: 4315 | Jan 14, 2024

Sold For: $51,600.00
1900 50C PR68 Deep Cameo PCGS. CAC. (PCGS# 96547)
Auction 1374 | Lot: 4478 | May 12, 2024

Sold For: $50,400.00

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1898 $2 1/2 PR68 Deep Cameo PCGS. JD-1, R.4. (PCGS# 97924)
Auction 1341 | Lot: 3783 | Jan 13, 2022

Sold For: $50,400.00
1898 $2 1/2 PR68+ Deep Cameo PCGS. CAC. JD-1, R.4. (PCGS# 97924)
Auction 1321 | Lot: 3381 | Nov 20, 2020

Sold For: $50,400.00
1899 $2 1/2 PR68+ Deep Cameo PCGS. CAC. JD-1, R.4. (PCGS# 97925)
Auction 1311 | Lot: 4357 | Jan 12, 2020

Sold For: $50,400.00
1892 $1 PR68★ Ultra Cameo NGC. (PCGS# 97327)
Auction 1258 | Lot: 4067 | Aug 6, 2017

Sold For: $49,350.00

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