Value of 1885 $20 Gold Coin

Value of 1885 $20 Double Eagle

Most survivors of this elusive issue are sharply struck with ample prooflike finish. Moderately to heavily abraded surfaces are also the norm for the 1885, a curious feature for an issue that does not appear to have seen widespread commercial use. The 1885 double eagle is one of several low mintage rarities among Philadelphia Mint double eagles of the early to mid-1880s. Survivors are seldom encountered in any grade and, while some estimates range as high as 100 pieces, we believe that no more than 60 coins are extant, perhaps as few as 50. Survivors are largely concentrated at the EF and AU grade levels with Mint State coins in the distinct minority. Finest certified honors belong to a pair of MS-63s graded by PCGS, one of which hails from Bowers and Merenas October 1999 sale of the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection, Part II. Proofs of this date are also legendary rarities with survivors numbering only 15 to 20 coins.