This is one of three Liberty Head double eagles which were struck only in a proof format. It has the lowest mintage figure of the three (1883, 1884 and 1887), and it is the single rarest Type Three Liberty Head double eagle.

Expert’s Corner: 1884 Double Eagle

I have handled very few examples of the 1884 Type Three Liberty Head double eagle. This is a major rarity. I think this issue is still undervalued in comparison to less rare 20th century issues.

All 1884 double eagles show a peculiar grainy texture on the portrait of Liberty which runs from the inside of the ear down past the outside of the hair to above the designer’s initials. This is as made by the mint, and it does not affect the grade or value.

A small number of 1884 double eagles have mint-made spotting or grease stains. On a coin as rare as this, these tend to be overlooked although they may slightly impact the grade. With the exception of the mint-made granularity on the portrait described above, the 1884 is a well-made issue. All of the known examples are well struck with strong details. Uncleaned original examples (which are very rare) show cameo contrast between the devices and the fields, as well as distinctive “orange peel” surfaces.

1884 Liberty Proof Double Eagle: Trophy Coin for Elite Collectors

There are probably fewer than 20 examples known. With a number of these either impounded in museums or housed in tightly-held collections, the 1884 is rarely available. t the past few decades, the number offered for sale is generally around one to two per year. Many are in the PR64 grade, and true PR65 or better coins are exceedingly rare with no more than four or five currently known.

This is a coin that has multiple levels of demand. It is sought by Type Three collectors, proof gold specialists and investors who are seeking“trophy”or “anchor”coins for their portfolios. Proof double eagles are also popular with wealthy buyers in the Far East and around the world.