1855-D G$1 MS62 PCGS. Partial Date. Variety 7-I. (per ...

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Description

Extremely Rare MS62 1855-D Gold Dollar, The Third Finest Known Example of This Popular Type Two Issue

1855-D G$1 MS62 PCGS. Partial Date. Variety 7-I. (per Doug Winter's second edition and revised attribution system). Small mintmark placed high in the field and under the right ribbon end. Late die state with a distinct crack to the right of the mintmark.

RARITY INFORMATION: Only 1,811 examples were struck of this issue. The 1855-D is the second rarest Dahlonega gold dollar in terms of overall rarity and it is the single rarest in high grades. Of the 70-80 pieces known, around a dozen grade About Uncirculated. There are just four known in Uncirculated, of which two are included in the Green Pond Collection (the others are in the Duke's Creek Collection).

STRIKE: The great majority of 1855-D gold dollars are quite poorly struck. However, this piece has much better detail than usual. The obverse has some weakness on the hair below LIBE with the rest of the strands showing clear separation. The plumes in the headdress are fully detailed while most of the denticles are clear. The reverse is very sharp with the wreath displaying complete detail. The 8 in the date is weak, as usual, while the other three digits are fully brought up. Both sides show a number of clashmarks.

SURFACES: A careful examination of the surfaces reveals virtually no disturbances other than the aforementioned clashmarks. This is quite remarkable for the issue as nearly every known 1855-D shows hairlines from having been mishandled as well as numerous circulation marks and evidence of poor planchet preparation.

LUSTER: The typical 1855-D gold dollar is worn to the point that no luster remains. This piece has very good luster with a slightly satiny texture that is a bit reflective on the obverse and more frosty on the reverse.

COLORATION: The obverse is a light green-gold and it is framed by an attractive deep orange-gold band at the periphery. The reverse is a light rose-gold hue that deepens a bit at the lower portion of that side.

EYE APPEAL: Unless one is a specialist in Dahlonega coinage, it may be difficult to realize just how challenging it is to locate an 1855-D gold dollar with good eye appeal. This piece is notable for its good strike, outstanding surfaces, pleasing color, and good luster.

COMPARABLES: The remarkable Bass II example, graded MS62 by PCGS and notable for its extremely sharp date, brought an incredible $92,000 in 1999. An NGC MS60 with a full date sold in our January 2003 sale for $24,150.

PEDIGREE: Ex: Hancock and Harwell; 1999 ANA (Heritage, 8/99), lot 7627 (bought back at $43,700); Chestatee Collection (Duke's Creek Collection duplicates); Hancock and Harwell; Michigan Collection; Hancock and Harwell; Jeff Notrica; Doug Winter; 1991 FUN Sale (Mid-American, 1/91), lot 1727; Jascha Heifetz Collection (Superior, 10/89), lot 3899; Connoisseur's Collection (Superior (1/89), lot 256; Dr. Philip Weinstein; 1986 GNA Sale (Mid-American, 5/86), lot 1817; Auction '82 (Paramount's session), lot 1841; Donald Groves Collection (Stack's, 11/74), lot 473; Ullmer Sale (Stack's, 5/74), lot 340; and Miles Collection (Stack's, 9/68), lot 27. Graded Mint State 62 by PCGS. This coin had been graded AU50 to MS63 in its numerous auction appearances. This is the plate coin in the second edition of Winter's book on Dahlonega gold and is listed as the third finest known in the updated Condition Census. (#7534) (Registry values: P4, N58000)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 25C6, PCGS# 7534, GSID# 8072)

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
Weight: 1.67 grams
AGW: 0.05oz
Mintage: 1,811

View Certification Details from PCGS