1856-S G$1 Type Two MS63 PCGS....

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Sold on Jan 7, 2010 for:

$27,600.00 Bid Source: Live: Floor bidder

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Description

Boldly Struck 1856-S Type Two Gold Dollar
MS63, Tied for Finest Graded at PCGS

1856-S G$1 Type Two MS63 PCGS. The 1856-S gold dollar is an interesting issue of the Type Two subtype, struck at a time when the other mints making 1856-dated gold dollars--Philadelphia and Dahlonega--were already producing coins of the Type Three design. Breen writes, "The 1856 S dies were shipped west in 1855 before [Mint Director James Ross] Snowden's decision to redesign the obv." It was 1857 before San Francisco struck S-mint Type Three gold dollars.
As a result, the 1856-S issue is something of an anomaly, as the only S-mint Type Two gold dollar, the only 1856-dated Type Two, and the rarest of the six Type Two issues, which also include the 1854 and 1855 Philadelphia issues and the 1855 coins from Charlotte, Dahlonega, and New Orleans. All of the 1856-S gold dollars show repunching on the mintmark, despite some separate listings in various references. Later die states, diagnosed by die cracks or shattering, show less of the mintmark repunching due to die wear.
This is an especially well produced example that shows strong strike details in the centers of both sides. No die clash marks are present in the fields, which exhibit the often-seen semiprooflike finish. Each side is covered with rich reddish-orange patina. In MS63 this piece is one of only a half-dozen so graded at PCGS, and there are none finer (11/09). NGC has certified four pieces in MS64.
This coin would make a marvelous type coin for collectors seeking "something out of the ordinary" for that challenging Type Two spot in a gold type set.(Registry values: N7079)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 25C8, PCGS# 7536, GSID# 8075)

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
Weight: 1.67 grams
AGW: 0.04838oz
Mintage: 24,600

View Certification Details from PCGS