NNP

1871 P$20 Twenty Dollar, Judd-1176, Pollock-1318, R.7, PR66+ Red Cameo NGC. CAC. Design. The regular issue dies for the 1871 proof double eagle, struck in copper with a reeded edge. A few short die lines extend down to the left from Liberty's earlobe. The reverse has GOD above the arc line of IN and WE. The feathers between the scroll and right shield border are thin and well separated, suggesting this piece was struck later in the decade. The reverse is the same die as Judd-1038, offered above. Commentary. The reverse has similarities to the reverse die of regular issue proofs dated 1875 and 1876, and possibly dates the actual time of production for this pattern variety. Less than half a dozen examples are known, including just three pieces in Andrew Pollock's roster published nearly 20 years ago. We handled a PR64 Red PCGS example in January 1999 that reappeared in our July 2003 sale, the only specimen we have previously offered and the only example that PCGS has graded. The NGC Census Report lists five pieces, and the Newman specimen is the finest of those submissions. Physical Description. The sharply defined and satiny devices stand out against deeply mirrored fields on this brilliant Premium Gem proof, with exceptional field-to-device contrast. A few splashes of violet toning on each side add to the stunning eye appeal. Provenance. "Colonel" E.H.R. Green; Green Estate; Partnership of Eric P. Newman / B.G. Johnson d.b.a. St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co.; Eric P. Newman @ $100; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. From The Eric P. Newman Collection.

From Newman I (Heritage Auctions, 4/2013), lot 3998, realized $105750.00. Image and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, https://ha.com.