The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection — Part IV
Session One
Monday Evening, November 20, 6:00 PM Sharp
Gold Dollars: Lots 1-113
Quarter Eagles: Lots 114-262
Three-Dollar Gold: Lots 263-292
Half Eagles: Lots 293-576
Gold Dollars
We present a truly fantastic, truly remarkable offering of gold dollars, the final suite of specimens from the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection. Throughout the pages to follow, Harry’s eye for quality is apparent as choice specimen after choice specimen, gem after gem is offered. A wonderful procession awaits you.
The cataloguing is by Mark Borckardt, who with Dave Bowers is also creating the sylloge for the "Core Collection" of the Bass Foundation holdings to be exhibited at the American Numismatic Association in the future. Some notes here and there have been added from Dave Bowers’ manuscript now being prepared for United States gold coins, a study expected to be published, perhaps in the year 2002, and to encompass eight volumes.
Gold dollars form a highly interesting, highly collectible specialty. With just a few exceptions, all are readily available in grades such as VF, EF, and AU, and most are rather inexpensive. At the Mint State and Proof levels—characteristic of the Bass coins for the most part—many are scarce to rare, but even so, the persistent, dedicated numismatist can put together nearly a full run given several years or more of effort. Of course, getting there is half the fun—gold dollars can be a challenge. In the listings to follow, many notes have been made concerning die characteristics, the study of which adds a lot of enjoyment, at least in our opinion.
Whether you are seeking a few pieces for a type set, or whether you would like to own great rarities such as the 1861-D, the Mint State 1863 (not a typographical error—check our description), the Proof 1874, the Mint State 1875, or another delicacy, we invite and appreciate your participation.
Type I Gold Dollars
Coronet or Liberty Head Design
(1849-1854)
The first gold dollar design, the Coronet or Liberty Head type, made its debut in May 1849 and was continued through part of 1854. The design of Miss Liberty on the obverse was of the same style used on the pattern $20 gold coins of the year. She faces left, her hair tied at the back, and wears a coronet inscribed LIBERTY. Thirteen stars surround.
The reverse depicts a wreath open at the top enclosing the numeral 1, the value DOLLAR, and the date. Varieties of 1849 gold dollars exist with Open Wreath and Closed Wreath, the latter style being that continued through early 1854. The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounds.
Measuring just one-half inch (12.7 mm.) in diameter, the gold dollar of the 1849-1854 type is the smallest United States coin, even smaller than the 14.3 mm silver three-cent piece. Production was continuous from 1849 through 1854.
Mints and Mintage
Examples of the Type I gold dollar were produced primarily at the Philadelphia Mint, but the facilities at New Orleans, Dahlonega, Charlotte, and San Francisco contributed as well. As a general rule, the coins of Dahlonega and Charlotte were made in especially small numbers.
Among 1849 gold dollars, Philadelphia Mint issues exist in several obverse varieties, with the earlier issues being of the Small Head style and rarer, and the later being the Large Head style.
Dahlonega Mint gold coins dated 1853 or earlier, of all denominations, are apt to have a yellowish brassy color, as the Dahlonega Mint used a very large proportion of silver to make up the 10% of metal beyond the 90% gold in the alloy. In addition, much California gold—also often brassy in color—was sent to Dahlonega in the early 1850s, before the San Francisco Mint opened for business (in 1854). The standard was to have been 900 parts gold, 75 parts copper, and 25 parts silver. On September 29, 1853, Philadelphia Mint Director James Ross Snowden advised Dahlonega Mint Director Julius M. Patton that at Philadelphia the gold coins typically contained 900 parts gold, 92 parts copper, and 8 parts silver. In contrast, a modern evaluation of various Dahlonega Mint coins 1838-D to 1853-D, by Clair M. Birdsall in his excellent history of this mint, revealed 37 to 48 parts of silver per 1,000 parts of metal. The situation was corrected somewhat, and coins of 1854-D revealed 13 to 14 parts silver. Exact percentages were difficult to achieve in the reality of the refining process, but after 1853, the coins no longer had brassy color.
The San Francisco Mint opened in spring 1854, just in time to coin one variety of the Type I gold dollar, the 1854-S.
Collecting Considerations
Believing that at least a few of the readers of the Bass IV catalogue might find such to be interesting, we include some general notes on collecting gold dollars (here and in the later introductions to types II and III).
The type set collector who desires to have only a single specimen (and a nice one) to illustrate the 1849-1854 design will probably want to acquire a Philadelphia Mint gold dollar in the 1849-1854 span, for these are far more plentiful than those of the branch mints and also are better struck. The portrait (Small and Large) and wreath varieties (Open and Closed) of 1849 can be considered subtypes, but are rarely collected as such. However, such issues are vital to specialists who collect by date and mint sequence, although it is difficult to sort out which varieties are which, and their relative rarity, from information appearing in print in the 20th century. A new generation of research spearheaded by John Dannreuther and Jeff Garrett is directed toward studying in minute detail the varieties of 1849 and other years.
Examples of Type I Philadelphia Mint gold dollars are readily available in various grades from Very Fine to AU. Uncirculated pieces are slightly scarce, and superb Uncirculated coins are rare. However, there are enough on the market that anyone caring to pay the market price will find a gem without difficulty. A major exception to the Philadelphia rule is the 1850, which is a rarity even at the MS-60 level and is an incredible prize if MS-64 or MS-65, although it is unheralded and unknown save to specialists. The 1854 Type I Philadelphia Mint gold dollar is also rare in Mint State, but is hardly in the same category as the 1850.
All of the Charlotte and Dahlonega coins are scarce today in grades from VG to EF, and some are very rare. In AU, any variety is exceedingly notable, and in Mint State nearly all are rarities. Charlotte and Dahlonega coins in particular are nearly always very weakly defined in certain areas, this being true of examples in any and all grades. This rustic appearance has endeared them to specialists, but has probably turned away many investors—who might scratch their heads in amazement as to why anyone would want to own an 1853-C gold dollar in, say, EF grade, for which the planchet quality is usually very poor and the striking weak! Of course, the knowing gold dollar specialist will simply wink and eagerly buy this rarity, and ignore a gem 1851 Philadelphia Mint dollar—which the investor is welcome to buy and enjoy.
In actuality, the systematic collector of gold dollars will want both a gem Philadelphia dollar and a rustic 1853-C—they are all part of the fascinating series, each coin with its own personality. Harry Bass really enjoyed rustic coins—and most other advanced collectors do as well. However, the concept of a weakly struck, rough coin being appealing will probably be completely foreign to anyone who has not delved into the subject deeply (just as in the state coinage series, it takes a true aficionado to appreciate a Vermont Ryder-1, but once this happens, the Ryder-1 becomes an object of great affection). The casual observer might think that our saying a rough coin can be nice is a disguised sales talk! But, it is not. (Check around, if you wish, or buy a couple of Doug Winter’s books—one each on Charlotte and Dahlonega gold coins.)
Large numbers of counterfeits of the Type I gold dollar, including Philadelphia issues of all years, were produced in Europe beginning by the 1950s. By the early 1960s, such fakes were commonly offered by banks, bullion exchanges, and even coin dealers. Most lacked the lustre of authentic high-grade coins and were often poorly defined, especially at the dentils. However, there were exceptions, and many were highly deceptive. Today, certification by a grading service that guarantees authenticity (which not all services do; policies change; it is best to check) is your best protection. The American Numismatic Association in Colorado Springs offers some excellent printed matter on the subject.
Redemption and Melting
During the Type I period, the total mintage of circulation strikes amounted to 12,496,215 coins. Proof quantities were not recorded, but were a few dozen at most.
Type I circulation strikes were made as follows:
Philadelphia: 11,465,095.
Charlotte: 80,816.
Dahlonega: 55,730.
New Orleans: 949,000.
San Francisco: 14,574.
Total all mints: 12,496,215.
In August 1854, when the first shipments of the new Type II dollars were made, the Treasury Department began to call in the earlier small-diameter Type I coins minted since 1849. This does not seem to have applied to the 1854-S coins circulating in remote California.
By 1861, approximately 8,000,000 pieces had been redeemed, amounting to over 60% of the Type I issues. These were reduced to bullion, and in 1861-1862 the metal was used at the Philadelphia Mint to strike gold dollars, quarter eagles, and double eagles.
Lustrous 1849 Open Wreath Gold Dollar
1 1849 Open Wreath, Small Head, No L. MS-63. Soft yellow gold lustre with a trace of orange patina. Only a few very minor abrasions and hairlines are present. Sharply struck except for stars 6, 7, and 8 which are partially defined. The border dentils are also weak in areas, however, the balance of design definition is bold.
When David Akers published his Analysis of Auction Records for gold dollars in 1975, he noted that this is the "third rarest gold dollar." We feel that this statement was accurate based on auction appearances as of 1975, however, with more accurate cataloguing today, a revised survey would find a much greater quantity, suggesting this issue is not as rare as once believed.
Liberty Head gold dollars, more commonly called simply "Type I," were designed by James Barton Longacre and were authorized by Congress under the Act of March 3, 1849. The dies were prepared and the first examples, of which the present coin is typical, were struck May 8.
Several obverse stars are recut, most noticeable on stars 9, 12, and 13. We are counting stars beginning with star 1 to the immediate left of the bust truncation. The reverse has extensive die cracks, most prominent from E in UNITED to the first A in AMERICA, passing through the left branch, center of the large 1, and the right branch. Another crack from the border through left edge of crossbar of second T in STATES, joins the first crack just left of the large 1. Die state equal to Bass II, Lot 2.
In his notes, Harry W. Bass, Jr. indicated field striations on the obverse.
From New Netherland’s sale of April 1972, Lot 931.
2 Trio of Type I gold dollars: I 1849 Open Wreath, Small Head, No L. MS-60. Very lightly polished. Different reverse than the previous lot I 1849 Open Wreath, Large Head. MS-60. Lustrous light yellow gold I 1853 MS-60. Golden orange surfaces. Desirable despite a small obverse rim nick. (Total: 3 pieces)
Splendid 1849 Open Wreath Gold Dollar
3 1849 Open Wreath, Small Head, With L. MS-65 (PCGS). This delightful gem has brilliant light yellow gold lustre with only a few minute abrasions. The reverse has a few tiny darkish spots surrounded by slightly deeper yellow toning. Flat obverse fields. Extremely sharp central obverse and reverse details with slight peripheral weakness. An outstanding example for either the type collector, or the date or variety specialist. Regardless of how you classify your own collecting activities, this is an example you will be proud to share with all your collecting friends.
Star 11 is sharply recut while star 12 is very slightly doubled. A few other stars show very slight recutting. Reverse has left ribbon and knot very slightly separated. Several very fine die cracks are present, most prominent from the border through D to the wreath. The dentil tips over S OF and from left stem end to U are connected by very light curved lines.
Purchased from Julian Leidman, April 3, 1973.
Choice 1849 Open Wreath Dollar
4 1849 Open Wreath, Small Head, With L. MS-63. A delightful light yellow gold example with brilliant lustre. Minor abrasions and hairlines are typical for the grade. Fine vertical striae cover the reverse fields imparting a slightly reflective appearance. A few obverse stars are weak, otherwise all details are exceptionally strong. Flat obverse field.
David Akers suggests the mintage is probably fewer than 100,000 pieces. Although mintages were recorded on an annual basis (and occasionally for major design changes) the actual mintages for varieties, as a percentage of the total, is virtually impossible to determine.
Same obverse die as previous lot with star 12 sharply recut. The reverse die also appears to be the same, although in an earlier die state without visible cracks. The lines inside border dentils are the same on both coins.
Purchased from Julian Leidman, May 30, 1972.
5 1849 Open Wreath, Small Head, With L. Doubled 18 in date. MS-62. Frosty light yellow gold lustre with minor surface marks. Strike typical of the preceding lots with obverse stars generally weak. Flat obverse fields.
Same obverse die as preceding with star 11 sharply recut. Reverse has digit 1 sharply recut south and digit 8 very slightly recut south. A diagonal crack begins in the upper left reverse field and passes through left foot of large digit 1, second L in DOLLAR, and just touches top of 4 and lower left curve of 9, continuing to the inside right branch.
Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, December 21, 1971.
Choice 1849 Large Head Gold $1
6 1849 Open Wreath, Large Head. MS-63. Handsome light yellow gold lustre with a few typical surface marks. Both obverse and reverse are very sharply defined. Light diagonal striae are noted on the obverse. This variety is not as scarce as either of the Small Head issues.
Obverse stars are small, due to die polishing. Otherwise, obverse and reverse dies appear perfect. E in AMERICA is dramatically doubled.
From Paramount’s session of Auction ‘86, Lot 1846.
7 1849 Open Wreath, Large Head. MS-62. Deep yellow gold lustre with only a few trivial surface marks. Most noticeable is a small mark in the lower left obverse field. Very sharply defined and desirable as such.
The obverse appears perfect. The reverse is cracked through I in UNITED, the left branch, and DOLL, curving down through top of 9 to wreath and rim through final A. A pronounced rim break begins over final A and extends down along the border for just five dentils.
Purchased from Julian Leidman, February 18, 1972.
Pleasing 1849 Close Wreath Gold Dollar
8 1849 Close Wreath. MS-64. Splendid frosty light yellow gold lustre with a few light hairlines and minor abrasions. Very sharply struck. A delightful example for the first-year type collector or date collector. The common 1849 issue.
Liberty is surrounded by light clash marks. Very light die erosion is visible just inside the obverse border. The reverse also has noticeable clash marks and a few light die lines through OF A. We are endeavoring to change our nomenclature from Closed Wreath to the traditional Close wreath, as the wreath tips are closer on this variety than on the Open style, but they certainly aren’t Closed or continuous or continuous.
From Stack’s Metro Sale, May 1971, Lot 1160.
Mint State 1849-D Gold Dollar
9 1849-D MS-61 (PCGS). Satiny greenish yellow gold with very slightly reflective surfaces. A few very light abrasions and hairlines are visible. Somewhat soft on the highest design points. This issue is a rarity in Mint State, although David Akers commented that "This is the only D Mint gold dollar that can be reasonably obtained in Mint State."
The present sale will provide the collector of southern mint gold coinage several important opportunities to find missing items. Simply stated, this issue has the highest mintage of any Dahlonega Mint gold dollar, and is the most common. Therefore, the type collector who wants to add an example from this Georgia mint would do well to consider this, or the next lot.
A few microscopic die cracks and chips are visible on the obverse. Several light die lines are on the reverse. The right stem and ribbon end are only very lightly connected to the knot.
Purchased from Julian Leidman, April 3, 1973
10 1849-D AU-55 (PCGS). Another opportunity to acquire this very first gold dollar issue from the Dahlonega Mint. Deep yellow gold with considerable remaining lustre. A few very minor marks are noted. This is a sharply struck example.
The obverse has a few light die chips. The reverse has a die crack across the top of the mintmark, extending left and right. A few other light cracks are noted. From a different reverse die than the preceding.
Purchased from Mattoff, February 19, 1972.
11 Trio of About Uncirculated gold dollars: I 1849-O AU-58. Lustrous deep gold I 1853 AU-58. Attractive dark yellow lustre I 1855 AU-50. A few small scrapes are noted on both surfaces. (Total: 3 pieces)
12 1850 MS-63 (PCGS). Satiny yellow lustre with a trace of green. Exceptional
surfaces for the grade with only a few very minor abrasions and hairlines. Weak only
on the highest hair details over Liberty’s ear. In our modern study of thousands
of different auction catalogues and price lists we have come to appreciate that the
1850 gold dollar in Mint State is incredibly scarce, a true sleeper.
Right now this is not recognized in terms of market price, and thus readers of this
catalogue have the chance to slyly acquire such pieces at what might be a bargain
price in the future. Who knows? But, we do know that the 1850 is very hard to find.
Heavy die polish lines are noted in the obverse fields. Stars 10 and 12 have faint cracks to the border. The reverse likewise has heavy die polish lines and numerous faint cracks through peripheral letters.
Purchased from Julian Leidman, September 23, 1972.
Handsome 1850-C Gold Dollar
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13 1850-C AU-58 (PCGS). An enticing example with prooflike light yellow gold surfaces and moderate abrasions as expected. Sharply struck with strong obverse and reverse borders. Although finer examples do exist, this is approaching the very rare Mint State grade level. This is the rarest collectible Charlotte gold dollar, according to both David Akers and Doug Winter who further commented: "It is most often seen well worn with the typical survivor grading Very Fine to Extremely Fine. Accurately graded About Uncirculated examples are very scarce and upper-end AU’s are rare." Perhaps just eight or nine finer examples are known.
Two varieties are known with a total mintage of just 6,966 coins, an average under 3,500 coins per die pair. This is the fourth lowest mintage of the design type, eclipsed only by 1852-D, 1853-D, and 1854-D. Among gold dollars of the Charlotte Mint, only 1859-C had a lower mintage.
Purchased from Julian Leidman, May 30, 1972.
14 1850-D Net VF-30; sharpness of EF-45, lightly polished. Light yellow gold surfaces with some weakness at central obverse and reverse. With a mintage of just 8,382 coins, this is a rare issue and is generally found in lower quality. Akers noted this issue "has the third lowest average grade of any gold dollar." Doug Winter described this as a "rare and very underrated" coin.
From a gold dollar set purchased from Rowe and Brownlee.
Impressive 1850-O Gold Dollar
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15 1850-O MS-62 (PCGS). An extremely sharply struck example with outstanding yellow gold lustre. Slightly reflective at the peripheries with very light hairlines and other abrasions. This is certainly in the Condition Census for this issue, and represents a most important opportunity for the specialist. The 1850-O was the rarest gold dollar from New Orleans. The New Orleans Mint struck just 14,000 gold dollars in 1850, the lowest production of any gold dollar issue from this mint. Second lowest mintage was 55,000 in 1855, the single Type II dollar from New Orleans. An underrated issue, regardless of grade. Doug Winter recorded just nine to 11 examples of this issue in MS-60 or finer, most at the lower end of the scale. Only four examples were recorded by Winter at grades finer than this. In our opinion this is another fantastic sleeper, a coin whose desirability the market does not recognize.
PCGS Population: 4; 3 finer (MS-64 finest).
Light die rust is visible on Liberty’s neck and jaw.
From New England Rare Coin Auctions’ 1979 ANA Sale, July 1979, Lot 7.
16 1851 MS-63. A lovely example with frosty light yellow gold lustre. A few stars on the obverse are poorly defined, however, all other design definition is bold. A delightful candidate for the type collector.
A thin crack from the border right of star 9 meanders down to join star 10.
Purchased from the Goliad Corporation, December 16, 1971.
17 1851-C Repunched Mintmark. AU-50. The reverse has a large rim bruise at 8:00. Pale greenish yellow gold with minor hairlines and additional abrasions, probably lightly cleaned. This is the single most common Charlotte Mint gold dollar, a candidate for the collector of type coins from this facility.
Very fine raised die lines are noted on the obverse. The reverse has light clash marks and a faint die crack through the tops of F AME.
From Abe Kosoff’s 1968 ANA Sale, Lot 757.
Important 1851-D Gold Dollar
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18 1851-D AU-55 (PCGS). Light greenish yellow gold with a few very light hairlines, and a few other abrasions, including small marks in the field above Liberty’s head. Although this is certainly important as a variety of Dahlonega Mint gold, the reverse die state is most intriguing and is described below. Second highest mintage of any Dahlonega gold dollar, yet still only 9,882 were struck.
Lightly doubled below right base of first 1 in date. The obverse has a few very minor rust marks, however, is essentially perfect without signs of die deterioration.
The reverse is a different story. Numerous very fine finishing lines may be seen. Heavy clash marks are visible including four stars from 5:00 to 8:00. A very heavy die crack begins at the border at 12:00 through the right side of E in STATES to the serif of large 1, at its junction with upright. From here, this crack continues through the left foot of this same digit, at its extreme tip, then curves sharply to the right, through the first L in DOLLAR, the upper part of digit 5, middle of final 1 in date, and finally to the wreath and right side of I in AMERICA. A die line or crack connects the upper and lower left serifs of second L.
Purchased from Julian Leidman, January 15, 1971.
Another Lovely 1851-D Dollar
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19 1851-D AU-55. Very light greenish yellow gold with a few minor hairlines. This is the same die variety as the previous lot in an earlier die state. Another opportunity for the collector to acquire this scarce issue.
Perfect obverse. The reverse has base of first 1 in date doubled.
Heavy die clashing with three stars visible from 6:00 to 8:00. A prominent die crack begins at the rim at 4:00 through the right side of I in AMERICA and the wreath, continuing through digits 51 in date to first L in DOLLAR. A die line or crack connects the upper and lower left serifs of second L.
From Stack’s 1971 ANA Sale, August 1971, Lot 1897.
20 1851-D Net AU-50; sharpness of AU-58, obverse dents left of Liberty’s profile. Pale and attractive orange-gold lustre with a few other light abrasions. An attractive example.
Light reverse clash marks. The mintmark is very lightly doubled, visible as slightly doubled upper and lower left serifs.
From Abe Kosoff’s 1968 ANA Sale, Lot 758.
21 1851-O MS-60. Lustrous light yellow gold with a few very minor surface marks. Slight weakness is exhibited on the highest points of Liberty’s hair. At little over the value of a common date, this issue is favorably priced. The Mint State population recorded by Doug Winter, between 40 and 50 coins, represents a very small proportion of the 290,000 struck.
Same obverse die state as Lot 56 in Part II of the Bass Collection. The obverse has a fine die crack from the border at 9:30 to Liberty’s eye, continuing into her hair curls and coronet. Another crack from the obverse border at 11:00 extends to the coronet.
Purchased from P.C.B.R., September 21, 1972.
22 1852 MS-64 (PCGS). A lovely example for the type collector with rich yellow gold lustre and a faint trace of orange. A small prooflike area is visible at 10:00 on the obverse. Extremely sharply struck with outstanding obverse and reverse design definition.
The obverse has a die crack from the border through stars 4 and 5, and back to the border. The reverse has moderate clash marks. Two curious raised dots are located inside the wreath, one below the upright of D, and the other below the tail of R. These are perfectly round and do not appear to be rust marks. They may have been deliberately placed although their purpose is not immediately obvious. Now and then little "privy marks" were added to coin dies, such as to test certain quarter eagles in the early 1830s, to track down some shenanigans at the Mint during the coinage of 1875 Indian cents, to identify certain reverse dies of the Morgan dollar in the 1880s, etc.
23 Trio of Type I Mint State gold dollars: I 1852 MS-62. Very minor rim bruises I 1853 MS-60. Cuts are noted on Liberty’s cheek. A curious raised spike pierces her neck I 1854 MS-62. Each displays lustrous yellow gold surfaces. (Total: 3 pieces)
Mint State 1852-C Gold Dollar
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24 1852-C MS-61 (PCGS). Lustrous light yellow gold with a hint of rose toning at center of the reverse. Surfaces display typical light abrasions, as do nearly all survivors from this mint. Average strike with some light weakness on the top hair curls, stars, and leaves. Very scarce in Mint State as are all Charlotte and Dahlonega gold dollars. Just 9,434 were struck, the third lowest mintage among all Charlotte Mint gold dollars. Approximately 20 Mint State survivors are known.
Digits 1 and 8 are repunched below.
From a set of gold dollars purchased from Rowe and Brownlee.
25 1852-D Net EF-45; sharpness of AU-55, lightly polished. Dark yellow gold with light hairlines and other imperfections. An important example for the die state collector. This is a very important rarity, from a mintage of 6,360 coins, scarce in all grades.
The obverse has very heavy clash marks in front of Liberty’s face. Several radial die cracks are visible on the reverse: from the border at 2:00 through the first A in AMERICA and wreath; from the border at 4:30 right of the final A to the wreath; from the border at 6:30 to the left ribbon end; and from the border at 11:00 through A in STATES to the upper left leaf pair and continuing to the large 1 of the denomination, eventually reaching R in DOLLAR. Raised vertical die lines pass right of the date from the wreath to R in DOLLAR.
From Abe Kosoff’s sale of the Shuford Collection, May 1968, Lot 1693.
26 1852-D Net VF-35; sharpness of AU-50, scratched and polished. Light greenish yellow gold.
From the same dies, and same die state, as the preceding lot.
Pleasing 1852-O Gold Dollar
Among the Finest Known
27 1852-O MS-63 (PCGS). An important opportunity for the specialist to obtain a lustrous, light yellow gold example of this issue. Although some slight weakness is noted, this is much sharper than normal for a product of the New Orleans coining facility. Although 140,000 were struck, very few have survived in Mint State with the present example among the top half dozen or so known. Only three finer examples were recorded by Doug Winter. He noted: "choice pieces are very rare and this date is extremely rare in any grade above MS-63."
A die crack from the obverse border at 12:30 bisects star 7 to Liberty’s head.
From Stack’s sale of the DiBello Collection, May 1970, Lot 527.
Lustrous 1853 Gold Dollar
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28 1853 MS-64. Brilliant and frosty light yellow gold. Sharply struck with exquisite design definition on obverse and reverse. This is a lovely example for the date or type collector.
Faint die cracks from the border extend up to star 2 and down to star 3.
Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, February 1, 1972.
29 1853 MS-63. Frosty light yellow gold with a few minor abrasions and hairlines. An attractive coin for the date or type collector. Very sharply struck.
From New Netherlands’ 61st Sale, June 1970, Lot 428.
30 Selection of gold dollar types: I 1853 AU-58. Attractive and lustrous yellow surfaces I 1854 Type II. EF-45 I 1855 EF-45. Traces of lustre I 1861 AU-55. Heavy die clashing is visible on both surfaces. Hairlined on each side I 1874 AU-55. Reddish gold surfaces. (Total: 5 pieces)
31 Trio of gold dollars for the type collector: I 1853 AU-58. Lustrous. Scratched on the
obverse I 1855 EF-45.
Slightly lustrous yellow gold surfaces I 1856 Upright 5. AU-55. Some light hairlines are noted on lustrous yellow
gold surfaces. (Total: 3 pieces)
Exceptional 1853-C Gold Dollar
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32 1853-C MS-62 (PCGS). This is a handsome example and very rare in Mint State. Lustrous light yellow gold with a hint of rose toning. A few very minor surface marks are visible. Sharply struck with full obverse and reverse definition, except for slight weakness among Liberty’s very top hair strands. Just 11,515 were struck, which is actually one of the higher mintages among all gold dollars.
The North Carolina mint produced just eight different gold dollars, with this issue ranking fifth in the mintage lineup. Higher mintages include 1849-C with 11,634 struck, 1857-C at 13,280, and 1851-C with a huge mintage of 41,267 coins. This issue is rare in Mint State with approximately 10 to 12 examples known, according to Doug Winter. The present example is likely among the top half dozen.
Purchased from Abe Kosoff, August 1973.
33 1853-D Net EF-40; sharpness of EF-45, lightly polished. Pale yellow gold with a faint greenish tint. Although a few minor surface marks are visible, the overall appearance is rather pleasing. A few planchet irregularities may be seen on the reverse.
Extensive obverse and light reverse clash marks.
Purchased from Fred Sweeney, September 18, 1972.
Choice Mint State 1853-O Gold Dollar
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34 1853-O MS-63 (PCGS). Frosty light yellow with a few splashes of deeper toning on the obverse. A halo of reflective satin lustre surrounds Miss Liberty. The surfaces have typical very light abrasions, consistent with the grade. This is a sharply struck and very attractive example of the issue, from a mintage of 290,000 coins. This example is among the top half dozen or so known.
Light die lines or chips on the reverse connect ITE of UNITED to the border.
Purchased from Julian Leidman, February 18, 1972.
Splendid 1854 Type I Gold Dollar
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35 1854 Type I. MS-64 (PCGS). This is an exceptional coin for the grade, featuring brilliant satiny lustre and splendid surfaces. A thin band of lilac toning extends down through the left branch of the wreath. Very short and faint hairlines on the reverse account for the grade. In all other aspects, this is truly a gem.
A faint die crack connects the right base of A in DOLLAR with a leaf below R.
Purchased from the Goliad Corporation, November 3, 1971.
36 1854-D Type I. AU-50. Very pale yellow gold. Improperly cleaned with extensive hairlines on both surfaces. This is among the rarest of all gold dollars from the Dahlonega Mint. Doug Winter rated this as the fourth rarest of 13 gold dollars from the Georgia coining facility.
Die alignment: 30°.
Very heavy clash marks on the obverse, including traces of the mintmark. Extensive and curious raised die lines cover a substantial portion of the lower left reverse.
From a set of gold dollars purchased from Rowe and Brownlee, February 24, 1967.
37 1854-S Type I. AU-58 (PCGS). Rich satiny yellow gold lustre with very slightly reflective fields. A very minor scrape may be found in the field below E in STATES. Otherwise, the surfaces are exceptional. Slightly weak only on the very highest hair strands at the top of Liberty’s head. This is the very first San Francisco Mint gold dollar, produced during the first year of government coinage operations in this western city. It also qualifies as the only gold dollar of this design from San Francisco.
Very faint clash marks are located inside the left branch of the wreath.
From Stack’s sale of the Harold S. Bareford Collection, December
1978, Lot 27. Earlier from the Numismatic Gallery sale of the "Memorable"
Collection, March 1948, Lot 72.
Type II Gold Dollars
Indian Princess
(1854-1856)
Design Differences
In 1854 James B. Longacre restyled the gold dollar to an increased diameter from one-half inch (12.7 mm.) to a new standard of 9/16th of an inch (14.3 mm.), a move intended to make the gold dollar easier to handle in commerce. This diameter was retained for the rest of the life of the denomination. The first pieces of the new gold dollar were struck on September 1, 1854 on Press No. 3 (Source: Original manuscript notebook kept by George J. Eckfeldt, examined by the author; to be reprinted by Bowers and Merena Galleries). This information is from the records of the Medal Department and may indicate Proof strikings rather than pieces made for circulation.
In Description of Ancient and Modern Coins, in the Cabinet Collection at the Mint of the United States, 1860, Mint Director James Ross Snowden described the shift to the Type II gold dollar:
This dollar, after a few years’ trial, was found to be rather small in diameter, and many complaints were made against it on that account. Consequently, in 1854 an alternative in the size was determined upon. The enlarged dollar of this year (1854) has, as its emblem of Liberty, a beautiful Indian head crowned with feathers. The band in which the feathers are confined is inscribed with the LIBERTY. Legend. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. On the reverse is inscribed 1 DOLLAR 1854 within a wreath of cereals. This dollar, being considerably larger in diameter than the old piece, has a proportionate decrease in thickness.
The new motif was approved by Secretary of the Treasury James Guthrie on August 18, 1854, after which no time was lost in implementing the design. Dies were already made, and on August 19 the first circulating coins were struck.
As Snowden noted, the obverse motif was changed to the head of an Indian princess, wearing a feather headdress. The band is inscribed LIBERTY in incuse (recessed) letters, facing left, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounding. The reverse shows a wreath of corn, cotton, wheat, and tobacco, similar to that used on the $3 of the same year (and the Flying Eagle cent minted later, beginning in 1856).
In 1906 the American Journal of Numismatics, printed this commentary by J.C.F.
In 1854 the bonnet, as it was often called—always suggestive of the excesses of the French Revolution, and which had given place to a simple fillet or band in 1838—was abandoned on some of the smaller gold coins [$1 and $3] and an Indian head with a feathered headdress, sometimes called a panache, was substituted. An Indian head had appeared on the octagonal quarter dollars, struck by private parties in California in 1852 [any such Indian motif pieces would have been struck at a later time and predated], but these pieces were never in general circulation.
The use of the panache in place of the Liberty cap was continued on the gold dollars struck from 1854 to 1889, when the coinage of those pieces was discontinued. It was placed on the three-dollar coins of gold, struck from 1854 to 1889, when they also were discontinued, but was never used on the silver coins.
However, the Indian Princess design, in the form of the full figure of Miss Liberty with a plumed headdress, was used on certain pattern silver coins, dime to dollar, designed by J.B. Longacre in the late 1870s and continued in use after he died.
Walter Breen (Encyclopedia, 1988) suggests that the motif, along with various other Longacre representations of Indians, was taken from a statue, Venus Accroupie, or Crouching Venus, in a Philadelphia museum.
From the very outset difficulties in striking ensued. The high relief of the head of Miss Liberty on the obverse caused the situation in which metal flowing into the deep die recess for the obverse prevented the relief areas on the corresponding part of the reverse, particularly the central two digits of the date, from striking up properly, unless the dies were spaced unusually close together. However, very close spacing resulted in extreme die damage, creating a lose-lose situation. Also there were problems with the striking up of the wreath on the reverse.
Some dies deteriorated either from use or from rust, with the result that certain Type II gold dollars have irregularities such as raised areas and ridges, etc.
Mints and Mintages
After a coinage of Type II dollars in 1854 at the Philadelphia Mint, an expanded coinage took place in 1855 at the Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dahlonega, and New Orleans mints, and a restricted coinage in 1856 at the San Francisco Mint only. In the latter year, at mints other than San Francisco the obverse motif was modified to the Type III design.
Total circulation strike mintage for the Type II design, combining all dates and mints, amounted to a paltry 1,633,426 coins. No wonder the term scarce is applicable to even the most available varieties, these being the 1854 and 1855 Philadelphia Mint varieties. Walter Breen (Encyclopedia, 1988) suggests that 0.9% of the original Type II mintages survive; to calculate his estimates, just do the math; e.g., for the 1854 Type II, mintage 783,943, his estimate is 7,055 coins. For the rare 1855-D, mintage 1,811, his estimate is 16 coins. The present writer’s (QDB’s) estimates are a bit higher.
A handful of Proofs were also struck and were not recorded.
Type II circulation strikes were made as follows:
Philadelphia: 1,542,212.
Charlotte: 9,803.
Dahlonega: 1,811.
New Orleans: 55,000.
San Francisco: 24,600.
Total all mints: 1,633,426
Collecting Considerations
Although the 1854-1856 Type II is the scarcest of the gold dollar designs and is the key to a gold dollar type set, you will have no difficulty in finding one. Most frequently seen are Philadelphia Mint coins of 1854 and 1855, these being available in any desired grade from Very Fine through AU. Uncirculated pieces are scarce, and superb Uncirculated coins are seldom encountered. Nearly all pieces are lightly struck at the center of the date on the reverse; this is to be expected. Indeed, this is the reason the design was changed in 1856. However, the very occasional specimen is sharply struck—and as certification service holders do not mention sharpness or weakness of strike, sometimes it is possible to acquire a fairly sharp coin for only a small additional amount of money.
Of all gold dollars of all three years, the sweepstakes for rarity is won handily—with no close contenders—by the 1855-D—of which just 1,811 were struck. The runner-up is the 1855-C, with 9,803, or over five times as many. Both varieties are in further special demand due to the popularity of Charlotte and Dahlonega mint coins.
The 1855-O and 1856-S Type II dollars are the only branch mint issues for which there is a decent chance of locating a nice MS-60 coin. The 1856-S is anachronistic, a numismatic fossil so to speak, as other gold dollar varieties of this date are of the new Type III design.
Distinctive 1854 Type II Gold Dollar
A Phenomenal Gem
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38 1854 Type II. MS-65 (PCGS). This is a most impressive example with frosty light yellow gold lustre and very faint lilac toning on the reverse. The surfaces are virtually pristine and every design feature is boldly defined. This is the very first of the small Indian Head design by James Barton Longacre, and issued only from 1854 to 1856, with the latter year only in San Francisco.
An interesting characteristic of this design type is the possibility of collecting a set of mintmarks for the gold dollar denomination. These small coins were struck at five different mints, in the three brief years of this design. The New Orleans Mint did not produce any of the later Type III design. We might further mention that the present sale affords the collector an opportunity to complete such a specialty.
Very faint clash marks are visible on obverse and reverse.
From Stack’s sale of the Bartle Collection, October 1984, Lot 1100.
39 1854 Type II. AU-58. Delightful lustrous yellow gold surfaces with only trivial abrasions. This is a most popular grade level among collectors, combining aesthetic appeal and affordability in one small package.
Light obverse and reverse clash marks.
Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, September 28, 1970.
40 Quartette of gold dollars: I 1854 Type II. Net EF-40; sharpness of AU-53, lightly polished I 1855 Type II. AU-50 Light scratches I 1861 Type III. AU-58. Lustrous yellow gold I 1874 Type III. AU-58. Slightly reflective fields. (Total: 4 pieces)
Superior 1855 Type II Gold Dollar
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41 1855 MS-64 (PCGS). Fully brilliant and frosty light yellow gold lustre with wonderful surfaces. A raised area at upper obverse is commonly referred to as a die bulge, although the bulge is actually on the coin. This is strictly as struck and actually represents an area of the coinage die that has sunken slightly. In strict numismatic terms, this issue is not a rarity, not even in choice or gem Mint State. Due to the short-lived design type and the status as one of just two readily available issues of the design, high quality examples are subject to intense market demand.
Moderate obverse and reverse clash marks. Faint cracks connect each ribbon end to the border.
Purchased from Hank Rodgers, February 2, 1973.
Lovely Mint State 1855 Gold $1
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42 1855 MS-61 (PCGS). This attractive Type II gold dollar has frosty light yellow mint lustre with very minor abrasions and faint hairlines, as expected for the grade. Slightly weak only on the highest hair strands above Miss Liberty’s ear and over her forehead.
Moderately heavy obverse and reverse clash marks.
From Paramount’s sale of February 1973, Lot 962.
43 1855 AU-58. Frosty light yellow gold lustre with minor imperfections, including a light scratch in the right obverse field. This attractive Type II gold dollar is ideal for the type collector.
Light clash marks are present on both obverse and reverse.
Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, August 28, 1970.
Lovely 1855-C Gold Dollar
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44 1855-C AU-55 (PCGS). This delightful example has lustrous greenish yellow gold surfaces with minor hairlines and other light abrasions. Hints of reflective surfaces remain visible. Central reverse weakness obliterates the digit 8 and first L in DOLLAR. Such weakness is common to virtually all known survivors from the original mintage of 9,803 coins.
David Akers’ commentary: "With an average grade of VF-27, the 1855-C has the distinction of having the lowest average grade of any gold dollar. I have never seen a fully Mint State piece and even strict AU examples of this date are very rare. Invariably the planchets and the quality of striking are extremely poor, and the date and word DOLLAR are almost always weak. In fact, the 8 is almost missing on some specimens. Many pieces also show distinct clash marks."
Only about 15 examples are known grading AU-50 or finer with the present example solidly in the top 10. In their 1973 catalogue, Abner Kreisberg and Jerry Cohen stated this coin would grade close to About Uncirculated!
Light obverse and heavier reverse clash marks are present.
From Quality Sales Corporation’s sale of September 1973, Lot 1006.
Pleasing 1855-D Gold Dollar Rarity
Quality Seldom Seen
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45 1855-D AU-50 (PCGS). Lovely orange-gold with traces of lustre adhering to the protected areas of the design. An impressive example of this very rare Type II gold dollar issue, the only example of this design from the Dahlonega Mint. Slightly weak on the highest points of obverse and reverse designs, including the ribbon bow and upper left wreath. A few very minor and typical abrasions are noted. This example has the appearance of being very slightly bent at 8:00 on the obverse. From a very low mintage of 1,811 coins with approximately 60 examples surviving in all grades. Akers suggested 24 pieces are known (in 1975) and Winter placed the total between 50 and 60.
Very light obverse and heavy reverse clash marks are visible. The digit 8 is weak, as always.
From Stack’s sale of December 1972, Lot 489.
46 1855-O AU-50. Very light greenish yellow gold. Although faint hairlines and minor abrasions are visible, the surface quality is exceptional for the grade. From a mintage of 55,000 and the only New Orleans Mint gold dollar of this design. This is the most available Type II gold dollar struck at a branch mint, although in an absolute sense 1855-O gold dollars are not easy to find.
From Abe Kosoff’s 1968 ANA Sale, Lot 1442.
Delightful 1856-S Type II Gold Dollar
Doubled Mintmark
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47 1856-S Type II. Breen-6045. Doubled Mintmark. MS-62 (PCGS). Satiny deep yellow gold lustre with wisps of attractive toning. Sharply detailed with very pleasing surfaces. Only microscopic hairlines and abrasions are visible. Just 24,600 San Francisco Mint gold dollars were issued in 1856, all the small Indian Head design. The normal and doubled mintmark varieties are probably about equal in scarcity, with the normal mintmark variety perhaps a little scarcer than this variety.
PCGS Population: 3; 4 finer (MS-63 finest).
This is a most spectacular doubled mintmark variety, one of few among all gold dollar issues. The obverse has two prominent die cracks, first from the neck down into the left field toward U of UNITED. Second from border through E of AMERICA, to the second from bottom plume of the headdress, continuing through the feathers, eventually reaching the second T in STATES and on to the border. Other very minor cracks are visible.
Purchased from the Goliad Corporation, February 24, 1992.
Mint State 1856-S Type II Gold Dollar
Doubled Mintmark
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48 1856-S Type II. Breen-6045. Doubled Mintmark. MS-61 (PCGS). Fully brilliant light yellow gold with light hairlines. The obverse is fully prooflike while the reverse has frosty lustre and is very slightly reflective. Very slight weakness is only visible at the digit 8 and first L in DOLLAR. All other design features are sharp.
Perfect obverse die without traces of any die cracks or other die deterioration.
Purchased from Numismatics, Ltd., July 31, 1973.
Type III Gold Dollars
Indian Princess (modified)
(1856-1889)
Design Differences
In 1856 James B. Longacre redesigned the obverse of the gold dollar in an effort to create a motif that would strike up sharply and properly, the Type II being a failure in this regard. The Indian princess style of Miss Liberty was continued, but in the new version the relief is lower and the details are different. The portrait of the Type III gold dollar is a copy of the image used on the $3 gold coin beginning in 1854.
Care was taken so that the deepest part of portrait on the obverse die was not opposite in the press from the heavier elements of the wreath which remained on the reverse; i.e., the portrait was at the center of the obverse, while the wreath—unchanged from the style of the Type II coinage—was around the border.
Striking Peculiarities
The restyled obverse created a coin which indeed could be struck properly, with the result that gold dollars of the Type III design usually are well struck in most areas, including the central two digits of the date (the area which caused a problem on the preceding type). This assumes that the dies in the coining press were spaced closely together, to permit the metal to flow into the deepest die recesses.
At the Charlotte and Dahlonega mints the dies were usually too far apart, and it is the rule, not the exception, that C and D mint gold dollars were poorly struck, some abysmally so. In modern times cataloguers have often mentioned such peculiarities when describing coins. As noted earlier, in enlightened numismatic environment of today’s era, specialists—including the late Harry Bass—have come to appreciate these idiosyncrasies. Years ago this was seldom done.
Mints and Varieties
Four mints were used to strike Type II gold dollars.
At Philadelphia, coinage was continuous and all dates were struck, although mintages dipped to low levels after 1862 (exceptions being 1873 and 1874). The low point was reached in 1875 when only 400 circulation strikes and a few dozen Proofs were made. In general, Philadelphia Mint coins are well struck. Uncirculated pieces are available of many dates, superb Uncirculated coins are scarce, especially for the earlier years. Today, Mint State specimens of such years as 1856 (Slanting 5 variety), 1858, 1859, 1859, 1861, and 1862 are generally available among the early dates. Dates from 1863 through 1878 range from scarce to exceedingly rare in Mint State, save for the plentiful 1873 (Open 3) and 1874 issues.
A flurry of investment and speculative activity which occurred among jewelers and numismatists during the 1879-1889 years resulted in the survival of more Uncirculated specimens of these dates than would otherwise have been the case. Thus, while all dates in the last 11 years of mintage have low production figures, Mint State examples are readily available of most. Differences from year to year are explained under the listings.
The Charlotte, Dahlonega, and San Francisco mints each struck a few varieties in the Type III series. All are rare, some extremely so if in AU or Mint State. As noted earlier, most are poorly struck, often with weaknesses at the centers and other areas. In addition, planchets tended to be poor, this being especially true at the Charlotte Mint. Thus, C and D mint gold dollars are very rustic—or crude or naive—in comparison to those of other mints. Today, this gives them a special charm, and many collectors have made a specialty of acquiring Charlotte and Dahlonega mint coins, but ignoring the others. Demand for such pieces has always been strong.
The San Francisco Mint struck Type III gold dollars from 1857 through 1860 and again in 1870. These were strictly utilitarian coins, and little or no thought was given to saving them for numismatic purposes. Today, the earlier S mint issues are scarce in any grade and incredible rarities in Mint State. Most are well struck.
There are a number of die varieties within the Type III gold dollar series. Among 1859 dollars, the Philadelphia Mint coins have a curiously styled Paquet date logotype, while dollars of the three branch mints—Charlotte, Dahlonega, and San Francisco—each have their own logotypes different from each other; this is a very anomalous year! As only one die variety is presently known for each of the C, D, and S dollars, it is not known if the dates on those dollars—each of a slightly different spacing and arrangement—are from a four-digit logotype or whether the dates were entered directly into the working dies by individual punches. In contrast, there are multiple dies known for Philadelphia and these are from a four-digit date punch. No doubt, much could be written about the whys and wherefores of these different logotypes if only someone at the Mint had taken some time to make notes at the time. Today we are confronted by a mystery. In due course (when we have correlated them all) we’ll compare notes with John Dannreuther and Jeff Garrett—and see what we can figure out.
The dollars of 1873 occur with Closed 3 and Open 3 styles, a difference published as early as Thomas L. Elder’s catalogue of the Daniel W. Valentine Collection, lots 143 and 144 (an offering of one of each); the present Bass offering has two of the Closed 3 variety. Certain dollars of 1873 and 1874 have the word LIBERTY partially or completely missing on the headband of the Indian princess. A few logotype repunchings exist among the various dates.
Production Over the Years
The Type III or Large Head motif was produced continuously from 1856 through 1889, although during and after the Civil War, mintages were exceedingly low for almost all years. Gold dollars were not circulated in the East or Midwest from 1862 to 1878, and saw only limited use after that time. On the West Coast, gold dollars were occasionally seen in circulation during and after the Civil War years, but never in quantity for mintage figures were small. The 1870-S marked the end of branch mint coinage. Production at the Philadelphia Mint was discontinued in 1889. The Act of September 25, 1890, officially abolished the gold dollar denomination.
Along the way, the total mintage for circulation strikes of the Type III design amounted to an estimated 5,327,363 coins. Proofs were made to the extent of an estimated 8,500 or more, spread over all of the dates, although records are incomplete. Complicating the Proof situation is that today for some issues there is no unequivocal distinction between a Proof and a mirrorlike circulation strike, this being true for certain issues circa 1879-1889.
Collecting Type III Gold Dollars
The type set collector can easily locate examples of the more plentiful circulation strike dates in grades from Very Fine to AU, and Mint State specimens of certain dates are plentiful.
The systematic collector by dates and mintmarks will be challenged several varieties. The rarest of all Mint State Philadelphia dollars seems to be the 1863, although the lower mintage 1875 (of which only 400 are said to have been made) is better known. Generally, all gold dollars from 1863 through 1872 are scarce to rare in Mint State.
All Charlotte and Dahlonega coins range from scarce to rare at any grade level, but enough exist that none are impossible. Garnering the lion’s share of fame is the curious and very historical 1861-D minted under the auspices of the Confederate States of America at a time when the South was at war with the North.
San Francisco gold dollars are scarce, and in Mint State or close to it, all are very rare. The spotlight has fallen on the 1870-S for a long time, quite possibly as it is the only gold dollar from any branch mint to be struck after the Civil War. However, in terms of the rarity of extant specimens in Mint State, several other San Francisco gold dollars outrank it.
Auction descriptions of branch mint gold dollars make interesting reading, and basic listings such as Very Good and Fine, used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, have given way to very detailed, authoritative descriptions in recent times, delineating various striking and planchet peculiarities.
Proofs
Proofs were minted of each of the Philadelphia Mint dates in the Type III series, with those struck from 1884 through 1889 being produced in relatively large quantities. However, there are mysteries—such as: if the huge reported number of 1,779 Proof gold dollars saw actually production in 1889, why are only a few dozen known today?
Today, Proofs before 1881 are great rarities, and later Proofs range from scarce to rare. Most famous of all the Proofs is the 1875, for which a mintage figure of just 20 coins has been published for many years. However, this year coincided with the era of numismatic shenanigans within the walls of the Mint, and the number of Proof 1875 dollars known today suggests that more than 20 were struck. The new book on gold coins will include quite a bit of relevant information. For the present, some information relating to the circulation strike 1875 is given under the appropriate Bass coin listing. Any 1875 gold dollar—circulation strike or Proof—is a first class rarity and a great object of, as Claes O. Friberg used to say, possession desire. I gotta have one!
Experts often differ as to what is a Proof vs. a prooflike circulation strike for certain dates of the 1880s, although much exceedingly useful information has been printed on the subject, especially by David W. Akers in his memorable catalogues of the John Jay Pittman Collection.
49 1856 Type III. Upright 5. MS-63. A lovely choice Mint State example of this very scarce variety. Exceptional frosty light yellow gold lustre with choice surfaces. Walter Breen estimated that only 33,660, or fewer, were struck. As such, this is about the same mintage quantity as 1851-C and 1856-S . Based on the value of these other coins in similar grade, this should be much higher priced than current price guides suggest.
This is the first issue of the new Type III design, the Large Indian Head. Again designed by James Barton Longacre, this design carried the nation through to the end of the gold dollar issues, in 1889. Many issues, especially those struck during or just after the Civil War are of extremely low mintage and are scarce, due to hoarding and non-circulation of the precious gold and silver metals.
Very faint clash marks are visible on the reverse.
Purchased from Don Apte, August 21, 1973.
50 1856 Type III. Upright 5. MS-62. Another attractive example of this very scarce variety, this with lustrous light yellow gold and faint pinkish rose toning.
Perfect dies.
From a set of gold dollars purchased from Rowe and Brownlee, February 24, 1967.
Lustrous 1856-D Gold Dollar
Incredibly Low Mintage
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51 1856-D AU-53 (PCGS). Lustrous light greenish gold with minor hairlines and other imperfections. The Indian’s hair over the forehead is weak, as are the ribbon bow and upper wreath details on the reverse. U in UNITED, O in DOLLAR and digit 5 in the date are both weakly defined. These are characteristic of genuine examples of this issue.
This is one of the rarest Dahlonega Mint gold dollars, ranking as third rarest in terms of examples traced today, according to Doug Winter. Only 1,460 were struck, the lowest mintage gold dollar from this facility, with the possible exception of 1861-D whose mintage is unknown. Of all gold dollars struck from 1849 to 1889, at five different mints, only 1875 has a lower mintage than this issue.
Perfect dies without evidence of deterioration.
From Stack’s sale of March 29-31, 1973, Lot 749.
52 1857-C EF-45. Faint greenish gold tint with a very lightly polished appearance. This issue is nearly always found on defective, wavy planchets, and this example is no exception. Especially important to consider is the rough appearance at 12:00 on the obverse, at ES of STATES. Edge reeding is weak at this area. We recommend careful examination to formulate a value for this example. Only two Type III gold dollars were minted in Charlotte, with this issue more available than 1859-C.
From Stack’s sale of December 1972, Lot 496.
Desirable 1857-D Gold Dollar
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53 1857-D AU-55 (PCGS). Rich, deep yellow gold with prooflike obverse and reverse. Typical weakness is displayed on both obverse and reverse, with upper obverse and lower reverse very poorly defined. Just 3,533 were minted, creating a rarity in any grade. Higher quality examples are quite rare. David Akers suggested that this date is "one of the most underrated Type III gold dollars." Doug Winter recorded a total population of 80 to 90 coins, with only about 35 coins rated AU-50 or finer.
Moderate to heavy clash marks are visible both on obverse and reverse. The reverse, especially toward the bottom, is covered with intriguing coarse die lines, perhaps resulting from die finishing or polishing at the Dahlonega Mint. An interesting numismatic puzzle for the researcher.
From Abe Kosoff’s sale of the Shuford Collection, May 1968, Lot 1698.
54 1857-S AU-55. A pleasing light yellow gold example with very faint rose toning. Hints of reflective fields are visible. A few light hairlines are noted, however, do not detract from the appeal of this very scarce issue. Just 10,000 were minted. Light obverse scratches may be seen upon careful examination. This issue, in higher grades, is probably worth substantially more than the current price guides suggest.
Gold dollars (and other denominations) of the San Francisco Mint are not as actively pursued as those from some other mints. Should the San Francisco coins become as popular as those of Carson City, Charlotte, and Dahlonega, values will quickly be driven much higher.
Purchased from Bob Beckert, April 27, 1973.
