In earlier editions of this book, we stated that the 1890 was a relatively common date in the Type Three double eagle series. It remains easier to locate in circulated grades and even the lowest uncirculated grades than its relatively low mint age would suggest. In higher grades, it has proven to be scarcer than previously believed.

Expert’s Corner: 1890 Double Eagle

I probably understated the scarcity of this date in the past, and that is due to the nice pieces I handled back in the 1990s, but the supply of above-average 1890 double eagles has dried-up. Today, I really like this coin in MS62 and love it in MS63 MS63 Population Total without Pluses: 90 (as of 11/18/22) and above. It has a great rarity factor.

This tends to be a well struck issue. The obverse on most coins shows good detail on the hair, and the stars are sharply defined. The reverse is a bit weaker with some incomplete detail on the tips of the wings and the neck feathers, but overall it is sharp. The surfaces on the majority of 1890 double eagles are very heavily marked with deep, detracting abrasions in the fields. The luster ranges from extremely frosty to grainy in texture. Those which are frosty are considered to be the most desirable by collectors, and they can show great eye appeal. The coloration on uncleaned, original pieces ranges from rose-gold and green to a deep rich orange-gold shade. The level of eye appeal on the average example is decent, but really good looking 1890 double eagles are quite rare.

1890 Double Eagle: Proof Rarity and High-Grade Survivors

Proofs of this date are very rare. Of the 55 originally struck, it is estimated that around 15 to 20 are known today. Unlike some of the dates from the 1880s, there are some known gems. The finest pieces I’ve seen are a small number of PR66’s. Proofs have a lower positioned date than business strikes of this date, and the ray below the E in STATES is incomplete.

The 1890 double eagle is common in circulated grades and only marginally scarce in the MS60 to MS61 range. It is scarce in properly graded MS62 and very scarce in MS63. It is very rare in MS64 with only nine having been seen by PCGS and NGC combined. The finest known to me is an NGC MS66.