Lot 661
1889 PCGS GRADED PROOF 66. PCGS graded Proof 66. The final year of the gold dollar denomination saw a slight uptick in the number of proofs made: 1,779. Of these, perhaps 50 can be called "gem" proof, grading PF-65 or higher. To make the next grade up, proof-66, the coin has to be special indeed. In fact, PCGS has only graded 12 as PF-66, with 2 coins graded higher while NGC has only graded 5 this high with 3 graded higher.
The surfaces of this coin are splendid indeed, the delightful "orange peel" fields which have, well, the appearance of an orange peeling, smooth yet rough. Its quite delightful, and proof gold from the period displays this surreal mirroring effect. Of course the color is outstanding, with brilliant orange-gold throughout. The dies were highly polished, enough so to give a dot of mirror polish at the point of Liberty's eye, giving the illusion that she is winking at the viewer when the coin is examined under a light. Similarly, even the inside portions of the 8s in the date are polished, which in a way notes the excellent contrast between the frosty devices and the mirror fields. Identifiable by a small planchet mark below Liberty's chin, and a tiny tick mark on the lower right side of the denomination. In PCGS holder #5781537.
Estimated Value $9,500 - 10,500.
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| Realized $9,430 |
