$170,000.00 USD
A mintage of 92 proofs for the 1905 Liberty Head double eagle resembles those of the 1904 and 1906 proof twenties (98 and 94 coins, respectively), but of the three, the 1905 is by far the rarest. John Dannreuther recently pegged the survivorship between 50 and 65 examples, and PCGS estimates only 40 to 45 pieces are extant. Garrett and Guth's estimate of as few as 30 to 40 coins is more in line with the frequency of auction appearances, though it could be that a number of examples are tightly held and simply do not trade hands. There are two pieces in the National Numismatic Collection at Smithsonian Institution and a third is out of collectors' hands in the collection of the American Numismatic Association.
This Plus-graded Gem proof enjoys membership in an exclusive club of examples that boast any sort of Cameo designation. Because of the die preparation process used during the period from 1902 to 1907, very few examples of this issue were ever struck with distinctive field-device contrast. In all grades, NGC lists only 10 Cameos, including possible resubmissions. This coin is the only one certified in Ultra (or Deep) Cameo at NGC and PCGS combined (11/24).
The eye appeal of this high-end proof is outstanding, featuring stark field-motif contrast amid warm yellow-gold color. The devices are sufficiently frosted, while the fields showcase incredibly deep mirroring and are devoid of any obvious hairlines. The design elements are fully struck, with intricate detail evident on Liberty's hair and the star centers.
