Before the first edition of this book was produced about a decade ago, the 1880 Double Eagle was an extremely overlooked coin. We alerted collectors to the true scarcity of the 1880 double eagle, and if you were able to purchase a nice example, you made a terrific investment.

Expert’s Corner: 1880 Double Eagle

This issue is a good example of why numismatic research is such a powerful tool. I was recommending that clients purchase this issue as far back as the mid-1990s, and it is a date that has remained very scarce in higher grades while dramatically increasing in price. That said, I still think the 1880 double eagle is a good value and recommend any example that grades AU58 or higher.

The 1880 1880 Double Eagle is now more available in circulated grades than it was previously due to pieces being found in Europe. In uncirculated, this date remains rare.

1880 Double Eagles: Business Strikes, Proofs, and Market Scarcity

Most 1880 double eagles are well struck. The obverse is sometimes not fully detailed on the radial lines in the stars, but Liberty’s hair is sharp. The reverse is generally sharp except for the right wing which can show weakness. The surfaces on most examples are very densely abraded. Some can be found that do not have heavy marks, and these are in great demand among collectors. The luster on higher grade examples tends to be good with a frosty texture seen most often. Some are seen with semi-reflective fields, but these tend to be heavily marked and have poor eye appeal as a result. The natural coloration ranges from light rose-gold to medium orange-gold. Many have been cleaned or dipped at one time, and finding a piece with good color is difficult. Previously, this was not a hard issue to find with good eye appeal, but this does not seem to be the case in the current marketplace. Only 36 proofs were struck. This date is as rare as the 1877-1879 issues in proof, and it is doubtful that as many as ten are known.

Business-strikes are seen most often in the EF45 to AU55 grades. In uncirculated, the 1880 double eagle is very scarce. This date is rare in MS61 to MS62 and very rare in MS63.