Value of 1898 $20 Gold Coin

Value of 1898 $20 Double Eagle

A challenging issue to locate with an overall sharp strike, most 1898 double eagles are lightly impressed over the high points of the obverse portrait and the surrounding stars. The typical example is liberally abraded, although this characteristic is somewhat offset by vibrant satin or frosty luster in higher grades. The 1898 is remarkable as the only scarce Philadelphia Mint double eagle from the mid to late 1890s, all other issues from that era being common in all but the finest Mint State grades. Enough coins are extant, however, that locating a circulated or low end Mint State example should not be all that difficult. Choice Uncirculated pieces in MS-63 are scarce and this issue is rare any finer. In fact, there are no examples graded finer than MS-64 at either PCGS or NGC. The 1898 rivals the 1896 as the most frequently encountered Proof double eagle from the 1890s, with a surviving population of 40 to 50 coins. It is also one of the best produced and preserved, and there are some truly outstanding specimens in collections.