The 1901 double eagle is more available than its comparably low mintage would suggest. This is due to the discovery of a few original bags I handled over 20 years ago. These were well dispersed; hence, I rarely see coins that originated from those bags today.

Expert’s Corner: 1901 Double Eagle

I handled the 1901 double eagles mentioned above and can recall many coins in the MS63 to MS65 range. MS65’s were relatively available 20 years ago but are becoming harder to find in the current market.

Most business-strikes of this date are well struck. Some show slight weakness on the obverse denticles and a few of the stars, but nearly all known examples are well struck at the centers. The surfaces are usually abraded but less so than most other dates of this era. For some reason, many 1901 double eagles have mint-made copper spots. These are sometimes clustered at the central obverse and can be detracting. The luster tends to be excellent with a crisp, frosty texture. The coloration on uncleaned pieces ranges from orange-gold to rose and green-gold. 

Proof Rarity and High-Grade European Discoveries

The overall level of eye appeal is above average although the spotted coins mentioned above might not be pleasing to some collectors.

A total of 96 proofs were made. The number known is estimated to be in the range of 40-50 with most grading PR63 to PR64. There are around 19 gems known, with the finest grading PR67 Ultra Cameo at NGC.

Many Uncirculated 1901 double eagles were located in Europe in the 1980s and 1990s. I handled a few bags in 1993. The coins in this group grade as high as MS64 to MS65, and many have superb color. Through 2022, 714 have been graded MS65 by PCGS and NGC combined.