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Which 1899 $20 do you prefer?
BloodMan
Posts: 1,839 ✭✭✭✭✭
I would like to get the opinions of forum members on a pair of 1899 prooflike double eagles.
Philadelphia minted 1899 $20s are a common date in the liberty head double eagle series, but prooflike coins are not commonly seen. Based on NGC census data, there have been 23,863 1899 twenties graded with only 16 receiving the prooflike designation, which is less than 0.1% with the designation.
Both of the coins below are graded in the mint state range, but they have different looks. To ensure that both coins are represented equally, I captured the images with the holders side-by-side to ensure the same lighting condition. The coins have the same appearance if I switch the positions of the coins.
Which 1899 PL $20 do you prefer?
Coin A (LEFT) or Coin B (RIGHT)
I will provide more details on the coins tomorrow. All comments are welcome.


Philadelphia minted 1899 $20s are a common date in the liberty head double eagle series, but prooflike coins are not commonly seen. Based on NGC census data, there have been 23,863 1899 twenties graded with only 16 receiving the prooflike designation, which is less than 0.1% with the designation.
Both of the coins below are graded in the mint state range, but they have different looks. To ensure that both coins are represented equally, I captured the images with the holders side-by-side to ensure the same lighting condition. The coins have the same appearance if I switch the positions of the coins.
Which 1899 PL $20 do you prefer?
Coin A (LEFT) or Coin B (RIGHT)
I will provide more details on the coins tomorrow. All comments are welcome.


0
Comments
However, the coin on the right appears to have a light blush of toning that may indicate some original skin remaining.
Stuart
Collect 18th & 19th Century US Type Coins, Silver Dollars, $20 Gold Double Eagles and World Crowns & Talers with High Eye Appeal
"Luck is what happens when Preparation meets Opportunity"
Latin American Collection
I was a little surprised there were only 12 votes: 6 for Coin A and 6 for Coin B. In my past polls, I usually had more participation after about 24 hours, perhaps some are shoveling snow.
Coin A is in an MS62 PL holder. The surfaces have no toning, perhaps it was lightly dipped prior to submission to achieve the PL designation, or maybe a DPL designation was the goal. The fields are strongly and evenly reflective, even a little more so than a typical PL twenty. The coin was submitted to CAC, but did not receive a sticker. The number and severity of the marks and abrasions are relatively few for the 62 grade.
Coin B is in an MS61 PL CAC holder. I like the toning on this coin, which is a mellow deep orange color. The toning probably impacts the reflectivity of the fields, but it is certainly worthy of the designation. It has nice surfaces for a 61 (the cheek is quite clean) and I am considering sending it in for a regrade, though the diffuse toning splotches could hold it back. The coin was approved by CAC with a green sticker.
Tough call but I would choose the one on the left.
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
I really like PL $20s, had a NGC62 1897-S that was semiPL-PL years ago, sold it in the first couple of minutes at a major show.
It didn't have PL designation on holder. This was 2004 or so.
Probably should have resubmitted it.
Not sure of the scarcity of 97-S in PL.