1855-O G$1 MS64 PCGS....

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Elusive Near-Gem 1855-O Gold Dollar, Type Two
Tied for Finest Certified

1855-O G$1 MS64 PCGS. For those collectors who prefer a mintmarked example for their type sets the 1855-O gold dollar is the obvious choice, as the most available Type Two issue from a branch mint. The issue is also popular as the only Type Two O-mint dollar, and because it is the final gold dollar produced at the New Orleans Mint.
But with a mintage of 55,000 business strikes, examples are hardly common. Even when certified examples are encountered in the marketplace, the average grade is apt to be only Choice XF or AU. In Mint State the certified population at NGC and PCGS thins noticeably from the dozens of AU examples. Taking the average grade of Mint State examples only, we find that those certified at PCGS average a bit over MS62, while the Uncirculated pieces at NGC come in at a bit less than MS62.
All of the preceding merely serves to underscore, from a statistical viewpoint, how truly rare the present piece is. There are no Gem Uncirculated pieces certified at either service, and both NGC and PCGS together have graded less than a dozen pieces in this top grade of MS64--less duplications, as always.
Surface quality is another reason for the popularity of the 1855-O gold dollar. Unlike the C- and D-mint issues, the O-mint issue was struck on well-produced planchets that lack the typical defects of its siblings. The present piece is on such a planchet, which offers smooth surfaces and deep, rich, attractive orange-gold coloration on both sides. Evidence of contact is minor and mostly distant from the focal points, and the plastic encapsulation itself contributes some haze that is not present on the piece, in the reverse left field inside the wreath, around the first 1 in the date and DO below. Strike weakness is localized and limited to the OLL in the denomination and the 8 in the date. Population: 5 in 64, 0 finer (6/08).(Registry values: N7079)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 25C7, PCGS# 7535, GSID# 8073)

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
Weight: 1.67 grams
AGW: 0.04838oz
Mintage: 55,000

View Certification Details from PCGS