The 1895 is one of the three most common pre-1900 dates in the Type Three double eagle series.

Expert’s Corner: 1895 Double Eagle

This is a date which I handle often, as it is relatively common, but I feel that if you can buy one in MS63 for a modest premium over a 1904, it is good value as the rarity factor is about 20.

This is a well struck issue. The centers of the obverse and the reverse are usually very well defined. On some, there is minor weakness on the obverse denticles. The surfaces are usually very heavily abraded. The luster tends to be satiny in texture, and it is comparable in quality to other Philadelphia double eagles of this era. A few semi-proof-like or fully proof-like coins are known but are seldom choice, as a result of heavy marks in the fields. The coloration on uncleaned, original pieces ranges from a rich orange-gold hue to a medium green-gold. The level of eye appeal is usually above average, and this is an issue the date collector will easily find in choice condition.

Proofs, Survival Estimates, and Collector Value

There were 51 proofs, and slightly fewer than half are known today. Most grade in the PR63 to PR64 range and show moderate cameo contrast. There are an estimated six to eight gem proof 1895 double eagles.

The 1895 double eagle is common in grades up to and including MS63. Properly graded MS64 examples are about as nice as this date is typically seen. About 1,275 have been graded by PCGS and NGC combined. I estimate about 18 are known in MS65.