The mintage figure for proofs is only 41, the fewest struck since 1880. Proof 1889 double eagles are extremely rare and much overlooked with about 15-18 having survived. Some are impaired while a few others have been cleaned. High quality specimens are exceedingly rare and deserve to bring more of a premium over a “common” date than they currently do.

The 1889 is moderately scarce in the lowest uncirculated grades, and it becomes hard to locate in properly graded MS62. It is rare in MS63 with maybe 45 or so known at this level. I have only seen two coins graded MS64, and there were none present in the Saddle Ridge Hoard.

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