1888 $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle NGC PR62 Cameo CAC
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Introduction
The 1888 $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle graded NGC PR62 Cameo CAC is a rare proof gold coin from the Philadelphia Mint. Only 105 proofs were struck. The Cameo designation recognizes the contrast between the coin's reflective fields and frosted devices. CAC approval recognizes its quality and eye appeal within the assigned PR62 grade.
History
The Liberty Head Double Eagle was introduced in 1850 following the California Gold Rush. Growing supplies of gold created the need for a larger federal gold denomination. Designed by U.S. Mint Chief Engraver James B. Longacre, the $20 coin became important for banking, large commercial transactions, and international trade.
By 1888, the series was using its Type III design, distinguished by the denomination TWENTY DOLLARS on the reverse. Philadelphia produced both circulation-strike and proof Double Eagles that year. However, only 105 proofs were struck for collectors.
Today, only a small fraction of the original proof mintage is believed to survive. This makes the 1888 Proof Liberty Head Double Eagle a rare issue within the series.
Design
The obverse features Liberty facing left and wearing a coronet inscribed with LIBERTY. Thirteen stars representing the original states surround the portrait. The date 1888 appears below.
The reverse depicts a heraldic eagle with a shield across its breast. The eagle holds arrows and an olive branch. The inscriptions include UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, IN GOD WE TRUST, E PLURIBUS UNUM, and TWENTY DOLLARS. As a Philadelphia Mint issue, the coin carries no mintmark.
| Year | 1888 |
|---|---|
| Metal | Gold |
| Grade | PR62 |
| Mint | Philadelphia |
| Weight | 0.9675 |
| Fineness | .900 |
| Diameter | 34mm |
A LITTLE STICKER MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE.
Within each number of the coin grading scale is a small range of condition from low-end to high-end. Certified coins of the same grade can be of varying quality. Many of today’s collectors want coins that are solid or premium quality for their assigned grade. CAC holds coins to a higher standard so you can be confident in the value of yours. We verify previously graded coins … and award our sticker only to those coins that meet the standard for today’s selective buyer.
WHAT THE CAC STICKER MEANS:
- Verified. Your coin has been verified as meeting the standard for strict quality within its grade.
- Guaranteed. CAC stands behind our verification.
THE CAC STICKER IS BACKED BY EXPERIENCE.
CAC was founded by leading members of the numismatic community, including John Albanese, a respected authority on coin grading and the rare coin market.
Comparison Chart
