1884 Gold Dollar. Proof-66 Cameo (PCGS). CAC.

1884 Gold Dollar. Proof-66 Cameo (PCGS). CAC.，A gorgeous Gem that sports vivid golden-yellow patina, razor sharp striking detail and virtually pristine surfaces. Strong cameo contrast between frosty devices and deeply mirrored fields rounds out an impressive list of physical attributes for this delightful specimen. Proof gold dollar production soared to previously unheard of levels in 1884 with a mintage of 1,006 pieces. While some numismatic scholars assert that this increased mintage is due to contemporary demand for coins to use in jewelry, we suspect that speculation on the part of numismatists is the more likely explanation. Yearly circulation strike gold dollar mintages had been almost universally small since early in the Civil War, lack of commercial demand for this denomination allowing dealers and other speculators to set aside many Mint State examples. This practice became particularly widespread beginning in 1879, and it seems to have created similar speculative interest in Proofs beginning in 1884. In fact, yearly Proof gold dollar mintages would remain above the 1,000-coin mark through the series end in 1889. In an absolute sense, however, far fewer Proof gold dollars were saved than circulation strikes during the waning years of this denomination. At the premium Gem level, as here, the Proof 1884 is rare and seldom offered in todays market. This exceptional piece would do justice to the finest Proof gold type or date set.，，