Only 75 proof Liberty double eagles were struck in 1898 and John Dannreuther estimates the surviving population at no more than 35-50 examples in all grades. The 1898 was one of the best-produced dates of the series and collectors have always prized high-quality specimens of this issue. Unfortunately, some coins were mishandled over the years, reducing the already small supply in higher grades. PCGS and NGC have combined to certify eight coins in grades below PR60 (6/24). Two coins are included in the National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian Institution and one is in the collection of the American Numismatic Society. Jeff Garrett and Ron Guth believe the population data for this issue has been distorted by resubmissions and crossovers.
The present coin is a very deeply reflective orange-gold specimen with a remarkable degree of absolutely gorgeous deep cameo contrast for this normally well-produced double eagle proof. Close inspection of the fragile deeply mirror surfaces makes one even more appreciative of the quality of this stunningly preserved representative. The reverse is essentially as struck while on the obverse light magnification reveals a very few faint hairlines in the left and right fields. These, of course, have no ill-effect on the coin's dramatic and amazing eye appeal and the high quality within the grade is confirmed by CAC. This beautiful piece represents an important opportunity for the gold specialist to acquire a rock-solid near-Gem example of the sought-after Liberty Double Eagle proof. Population: 4 in 64 Deep Cameo, 6 finer. CAC: 3 in 64, 6 finer (6/24).
