$626,500.00 USD
Struck during the peak of the Gilded Age, the 1896 Liberty Head Double Eagle is a standout within the late 19th-century proof gold series. With a limited mintage of only 128 proof specimens, this coin was never intended for circulation but catered exclusively to collectors, government officials, and institutional presentations. The Proof Liberty series from this era represents the zenith of classic U.S. gold engraving under Charles E. Barber's direction.
Obverse: Features Liberty facing left, wearing a coronet inscribed “LIBERTY,” surrounded by 13 stars representing the original colonies, with the date “1896” below. Deeply mirrored fields and frosted devices generate a dramatic cameo effect, especially apparent in the hair and facial contours.
Reverse: Depicts a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings clutching arrows and an olive branch, framed by the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” above and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA – TWENTY DOLLARS” around. The bold contrast and polish reflect the Deep Cameo designation, highlighting every line in the eagle’s wings and shield.
Graded PCGS PR66 Deep Cameo, this coin is a superb gem and among the top survivors of its issue, with fewer than 10 examples certified at this level or finer in Deep Cameo. It is prized for its fully struck devices, original mirrored fields, and frost-enhanced relief, offering superior visual impact. As a premium Proof gold type coin from a low-mintage year, this 1896 example serves both as a numismatic rarity and a trophy asset for advanced collectors of U.S. gold.
