CAC approved with sticker denoting Premium Quality. This date is becoming increasingly difficult to locate in this condition. Although PCGS has certified two hundred nineteen specimens at this level over the past twenty years you sure wouldn't know it today because nice examples (accurately graded real DMPL's) are sure hard to come by. This coin is sharply struck with very well preserved surfaces. The fields are deeply mirrored and the devices are well frosted providing a strong cameo contrast. Excellent eye appeal and sure to please the serious DMPL dollar collector.
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This is an altogether magnificent example of this particular date with engaging mint bag toning. The strike is unanimously bold and the scintilating luminous surfaces are quite clean. The obverse has been blessed with extraordinarily beautiful toning that's a veritable artists palette of brilliant burgundy, lime, teal, violet, magenta, lemon, lilac, sky blue, cinnamon, apricot and tangerine iridescence. The reverse is primarily blast white with a small crescent of bright ochre and aquamarine toning clinging to the lower rim. This is a breathtaking coin with very strong visual appeal.
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This coin is very boldly struck with wonderfully preserved surfaces that rest at the uppermost end of the assigned grade. The fields exhibit (atypical) ultra-deep watery reflectivity and the devices are well frosted accounting for a distinct cameo effect. The obverse is awash in glowing amber iridescence with a touch of aquamarine at the rim. A premium quality example with excellent visual appeal.
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This is an altogether exceptional example for this date and grade designation -- and, it is quite scarce as such, PCGS having certified just fifty nine MS66 DMPL's with a single coin graded higher. The strike is needle sharp throughout and the gleaming surfaces have been extremely well maintained. The deep glassy reflective fields are deeper than one would normally encounter with this particular date and the devices are well frosted, providing a pronounced cameo contrast. This is as nice a top flight 1885 DMPL as one is likely to locate.
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An altogether extraordinary example of this date and surely one of the finest of the fifty-nine specimens graded MS66 DMPL by PCGS thus far. To begin with this coin is boldly struck throughout with well maintained surfaces. Now here's where we separate this particular coin from its like graded brethren. The crystal clear glassy fields are more deeply mirrored than those of any other 1885-P dollar I have encountered. Moreover, the devices are richly coated with snow white mint frost rendering a stark black and white cameo contrast that is not normally seen as far as this date is concerned. Extraordinary flash and eye appeal with few (if any) peers in my experience.
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CAC approved with sticker denoting Premium Quality. The hallmark of this coin is its extraordinary flash and striking visual appeal. The strike is needle sharp and the crystal clear black mirror fields are unfathomably deep -- in fact, as deep as they can conceivably come. The devices are coated with bright snow white mint frost providing a stark black and white cameo contrast. There are scattered light abrasions in the obverse field which accounts for the grade designation -- but the sheer visual appeal will definitely knock your socks off and counter any deficiencies present. An altogether breathtaking coin.
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CAC approved with sticker denoting Premium Quality. At the Central State Show in Milwaukee (in 2004) I bought a PCGS MS65 DMPL 1885-CC for $7,000 that was so black and white, people would literally stop dead in their tracks as they passed my showcase. They say that lightning never strikes twice in the same place, well it did for me. I just bought the twin to the aforementioned coin at the Long Beach coin show and it is a sight to behold. The strike is full with all of the design elements boldly articulated and the surfaces have been very well cared for over the years -- but that's not what places this coin high above its like graded brethren. No, it is the absolutely stark black and white cameo contrast that is so profound as to impede your breathing. The fields are unfathomably deep in terms of reflectivity and the devices are coated in a thick layer of snow white mint frost, rendering the appearance of Liberty and the American Eagle afloat on a calm black pond. A showstopper for sure, this is an altogether exquisite deep mirror prooflike dollar with mind blowing eye appeal that is certain to have a powerful impact upon the viewer.
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This is a legitimately rare coin in this lofty state of preservation, particularly when one considers that PCGS has certified a mere thirty-four coins at this level over the past twenty years with just a single piece graded higher (which I recently sold to a prominent DMPL collector). This scintillating jewel is boldly struck with very well maintained surfaces. The glassy mirror fields exhibit ultra deep reflectivity throughout while the devices boast a thick coating of creamy snow white mint frost, rendering a striking black and white cameo contrast. Exceptional quality and powerful visual appeal. Although my current (02/04/08) bid on the CCE/FACTS trading network now stands at $4,000 I have not succeeded in adding a single specimen to inventory. I suspect I'll have to raise by bid levels even higher to pry loose any more coins of this caliber.
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An altogether enchanting specimen that is both bright and beautiful. Although there is some striking softness in the dead center area, the brilliant coruscating luster and supremely clean surfaces help to offset any perceived defficiencies. And if that's not enough to achieve that goal, the obverse is ablaze with vibrant iridescent rainbow toning comprised of crimson, teal, violet, fuchsia, apricot, pale lime and aquamarine hues while the reverse is bright white with a touch of amber at the periphery. Superb quality and strong visual appeal.
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Here's a stunning coin that certainly deserves the STAR designation bestowed upon it by the graders at NGC. This lovely gem boasts truly scintilating mint luster that is at once sparkling and luminous. Moreover, the surfaces are exceptionally clean in light of the stated grade designation. However, it is the dazzling original toning that elevates this coin to an even higher level of desirability. The obverse is literally aglow with brilliant lemon, tangerine, fuchsia, violet, teal and emerald hues the culminate in deep burgundy luminescence. A thin crescent of peacock, crimson, aquamarine, lilac and amber iridescence adheres to a third of the periphery. A glowing premium quality jewel with wonderful visual prescence.
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CAC approved with sticker denoting Premium Quality. WOW, here's an end roller that might light your fire -- it sure did mine. This little jewel packs a heck of a powerful punch in terms of its sheer visual appeal. It is sharply struck with dazzling frosty mint brilliance throughout, and as the grade designation would indicate, very well preserved surfaces too. I have to tell you though -- it's the wild neon toning that delivers the knockout punch. The obverse exhibits brilliant flourescent teal, peacock, fuchsia, tangerine and crimson hues laid out in a well defined geometric pattern atop a canvas of lemon, lilac and sky blue iridescence. The reverse is primarily white with a crescent of light ocher clinging to the rim at the bottom. Monster eye appeal and a more than ample quotient of pizzazz combine to form a genuine numismatic work of art.
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I've resubmitted this coin once believing that it was a lock upgrade but PCGS didn't agree with me. I still think it's undergraded and if it doesn't sell quickly I'll try it again. Anyway, this coin is boldly struck with squeaky clean surfaces throughout. The fields are deeply reflective and the devices are lightly frosted providing a distinct contrast. There is a touch of amber coloration at the rim which serves to frame and enhance the glistening surfaces. PCGS has certified one hundred sixty five at this level with just thirty graded higher.
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CAC approved with sticker denoting Premium Quality. Another coin that I strongly disagree with PCGS in regard to the grade (and a coin that I have resubmitted on more than one occasion and may do again in the near future). This specimen is sharply struck with very well preserved surfaces. The overdate is prominent with the lower loop of the six clearly visible. The fields are very reflective and fully deserving of the prooflike designation. And speaking of its prooflike status -- this is a very scarce coin in this state of preservation as evidenced by the fact that PCGS has certified only fifty eight at this level with thirty five higher.
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This date is quite scarce in this condition as evidenced by the fact that PCGS has certified a mere FORTY ONE coins at this level with just EIGHT graded higher (and that's after twenty plus years in the grading business). This coin is fully brilliant and boldly struck with very clean surfaces that place it in the mid to upper end range for the grade designation. The glistening fields are deeply mirrored and the motifs are coated with creamy mint frost that provides a soft cameo contrast. A radiant gem with excellent eye appeal and much nicer than the majority of its like graded brethren.
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I'm amazed that this coin is not in a MS65 DMPL holder. Of the nineteen specimens thus graded by PCGS this coin easily surpasses a number of them that I have personally seen from both a technical and visual standpoint. This coin is very boldly struck with gem quality surfaces throughout. The fields boast ultra-deep clear reflectivity and the devices are well frosted rendering a pronounced cameo contrast. The obverse exhibits a faint trace of very pale golden patina that in no way impedes the impressive depth and clarity of the mirrored fields. In my humble opinion PCGS completely missed the mark on this one, which affords the knowledgeable collector an excellent opportunity to acquire a true gem DMPL example of this date at half the price a coin surrounded by the right plastic would cost.
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CAC approved with sticker denoting Premium Quality. PCGS has certified a mere sixteen examples of this date as MS64 PL with none having been graded higher. As a side note there are but eighteen MS64 DMPL's certified with none finer. This is an undeniably rare coin in this condition and very desirable as such. It is well struck throughout and the fragile reflective surfaces reveal only minor distractions. The fields are actually quite reflective and the devices are lightly frosted rendering a distinct cameo contrast. There is a faint blush of light champagne patination present.
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Simply put -- this coin is incredibly rare in this particular state of preservation. PCGS has certified a scant sixteen coins at this level with none finer. I'm also thoroughly convinced that the population figure is skewed to the high side due to crackouts and resubmissions. I'm reasonably sure that this coin has been tried more than once because it genuinely flirts with a higher grade. It is very well struck for the date with nearly full definition. The fields are highly reflective and right on the cusp of a full DMPL designation while the devices are lightly frosted, rendering a mellow cameo effect. The surfaces are wonderfully preserved throughout with only a few inconsequential abrasions scattered about. Considering its premium quality status I'm certain that this specimen is at or near the top of its class.
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WOW, this is a really impressive coin for its stated grade…and I know a thing or two about this date, having handled many of the top 1895-S DMPL dollars over the years. I purchased what I still believe to be the finest known ultra-deep mirror black and white cameo prooflike for $6,000 in mid-1980 and subsequently sold it to Bruce Amspacher in early 1981 for $26,000 -- quite a hefty price at the time…particularly in light of the horrific coin market crash of April 1980. This specific coin and transaction are discussed on page 146 of “The Morgan and Peace Dollar Textbook” by Wayne Miller. A couple of years ago I sold a PCGS MS66 DMPL 1895-S dollar to a well-known dealer for a price in the high $70,000 range and it just sold in the Bowers and Merena Denver ANA auction for $103,500 (including the buyers premium). To be perfectly honest – from a purely aesthetic perspective I like this MS63 DMPL better than the MS66 DMPL and it’s available for a lot less money! This coin is boldly struck with deeply mirrored fields and richly frosted cameo devices (the MS66 DMPL was more semi-PL and didn’t have nearly the contrast). The surfaces appear to be of much higher quality than the grade would indicate due to a lack of any significant abrasions (the MS66 DMPL had numerous light marks scattered across the cheek). Although 1895-S DMPL’s do exhibit die polishing lines in the fields, there are some (non mint caused) hairlines in the area under the jaw line of Liberty, which in reality shouldn’t have kept this coin out of the MS64 category. Moreover, this lovely piece is bathed in light champagne patina overall with accents of lilac, ice blue, lime and cinnamon at the periphery. In my opinion this is a solid MS64 DMPL that at first glance appears to be a Gem. It is certainly much more attractive and visually appealing than a number of washed out PCGS MS63 DMPL’s that have appeared in major auctions over the last several years. In the final analysis I’d much rather have an obviously original coin with a few trivial lines than one whose original skin has been burnt off by one too many trips in the Jewel Luster or at a conservation service.
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Although not a viable candidate for resubmission in my opinion -- this coin is nonetheless a very high-end example. It is fully struck with all of the design details sharply impressed throughout. The glassy surfaces are exceeding clean and at first glance appear to be worthy of a higher grade. The gleaming mirror fields exhibit deep reflectivity but the devices offer no real discernable contrast rendering this specimen a classic example of a deep mirror "brilliant" prooflike. A premium quality example with positive eye appeal.
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Here's another date that is genuinely rare in MS65 DMPL condition. The latest online PCGS Population Report states that only sixty three 1898-P dollars have achieved this grade designation with just twelve coins finer. This particular specimen is sharply struck with all of the details boldly articulated. The fields are quite deeply mirrored and the devices are creamy, rendering a subtle contrast. The surfaces have been meticulously preserved and are on par with a MS66 DMPL 1898-P dollar I sold a while back. A very thin film of pale champagne patina is evident throughout although it is more pronounced on the reverse. I seriously doubt that you will encounter a nicer example of this date in a MS65 DMPL holder.
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Ex Battle Creek Collection. This is a premium quality coin that is boldly struck with radiant coruscating luster and surfaces that rest at the uppermost end of the grade designation. The reverse is completely engulfed in glowing luminescent toning comprised of forest green, burgundy, pink, magenta, lemon, lime, emerald, teal, azure and violet hues. Moreover, a distinct textile pattern is apparent in the field between the Eagle's left wing and the wreath. An altogether alluring coin with strong visual appeal and an ethereal, almost hypnotic quality about it. Or as the Fonz would say, cool-o-mundo.
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Ex Battle Creek Collection. A premium quality coin that is boldly struck with brilliant frosty mint luster and surfaces whose overall quality rests at the uppermost end of the grade designation. The reverse is literally aglow with bright fluorescent rainbow toning comprised of deep green, burgundy, lime, emerald, violet, fuchsia, tangerine, lemon, aquamarine, sky-blue, lilac and amber iridescence. The reverse is blast white save for a hint of gold at the rim. Awesome flash and eye appeal.
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Ex Battle Creek Collection. This lovely coin is fully struck with bright frosty mint luster and fewer flaws that one might expect given its grade designation. In other words, this is a really nice mid-range MS63 specimen. The obverse exhibits deep glowing luminescent teal and burgundy toning with subtle nuances of violet, lime-green and sky-blue thrown in for good measure. The reverse is brilliant white with a bit of ochre clinging to the periphery.
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Ex Battle Creek Collection. A visually striking coin that is sharply struck with bright frosty mint luster throughout. The reverse is ablaze with vivid rainbow toning comprised of irregular bands of peacock, burgundy, lime, emerald, violet, fuchsia, tangerine, lemon, sky-blue, lilac and ochre iridescence. The obverse is primarily white with a touch of ochre and aquamarine at the rim. An altogether beautiful example with wonderful eye appeal.
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Ex Battle Creek Collection. A beautiful premium quality coin that is boldly struck with blazing mint luster and surfaces that are much better preserved than the stated grade would indicate. This is a very high end specimen to be sure. The obverse is engulfed in beautiful rainbow hues comprised of forest green, burgundy, teal, violet, fuchsia, tangerine, lemon and pale blue-green iridescence while the reverse exhibits blinding white luster throughout. Very flashy with awesome eye appeal.
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