1854 G$1 Type Two MS66 PCGS. CAC....

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Spectacular 1854 Type Two Gold Dollar, MS66

1854 G$1 Type Two MS66 PCGS. CAC. The 1854 Type Two gold dollars have a well-deserved reputation as among the most difficult U.S. gold type coins to acquire in problem-free high grade. The entire series has a checkered and interesting history. In the first place, the U.S. Mint came very late to the party: The one dollar denomination had been produced by the Bechtler family of Rutherford Country, North Carolina, beginning in 1831, but only in 1849 did Congress authorize a federal issue. The Type One coins, made from 1849-1854, were too small. The Type Two coins, introduced in midyear 1854, were larger in diameter, but to compensate for the fixed alloy and gold content, they were also thinner. Compounding the trouble were the high-relief design and the placement of the high points of each side in direct opposition, so that full strikes were virtually unheard of, die clashes were common, and weak strikes were the norm.
Another peculiarity of coin series of this era is a phenomenon known as Longacre doubling, named after Mint Engraver James B. Longacre. According to the fifth edition, volume I of Cherrypickers' Guide:

"This term was coined by J.T. Stanton as an easy way to describe the doubling that is typical on many coins designed by James Barton Longacre. These include Indian Head cents, nickel three-cent pieces, Shield nickels, and many gold issues. We're certain many readers have seen this doubling before; almost all of the letters are doubled, with the secondary image appearing on both sides of the letters. Some specialists believe this is from the shoulder of the punch penetrating the die, causing the secondary step. Others feel it was an intentional design on Longacre's part, to help the metal flow into the tight crevices of the die. Although this doubling is evident on many of the coins that Longacre designed, it is not seen on all his coins. This would likely remove the theory that the secondary or 'stepped' image was planned to help with metal flow."

While this spectacular Premium Gem shows the Longacre doubling around many of the obverse devices, there is no sign of die clashing. Even more unusual, the strike is full in all areas, a requirement for the grade but one seldom indeed seen. There are no obvious abrasions on either side, and deep mint luster complements the enormous appeal. Expect runaway bidding on this one. Population: 10 in 66, 2 finer (11/09).(Registry values: N10218)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 25C3, PCGS# 7531, GSID# 8015)

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
Weight: 1.67 grams
AGW: 0.04838oz
Mintage: 783,943

View Certification Details from PCGS