1879 G$1 MS66 PCGS. CAC....

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1879 Gold Dollar, MS66
Mirrored Obverse, Frosty Reverse

1879 G$1 MS66 PCGS. CAC. Ex: Duckor. This hybrid Premium Gem exhibits a prooflike obverse with full mirrored fields around frosty and lustrous devices. The reverse shows frosty luster against slightly reflective fields. Brilliant yellow surfaces exhibit delicate rose and pale blue overtones.

Variety and Die State: Breen-6100. Normal Dies. Both sides display light clash marks, and the obverse appears to show faint die polishing lines.

Population (6/15): PCGS reports 37 pieces in MS66, two MS66+, and eight finer, all MS67. NGC shows 26 in MS66 (two MS66 ★ , one MS66+) and 17 MS67 (two MS67 ★ ) examples finer.

Commentary: The prooflike obverse is likely the result of a resurfaced or lapped die that earlier showed much heavier clash marks. That obverse die was placed in the press with a reverse die that had been used for many strikes, creating the hybrid appearance seen on this example. Several similar pieces have appeared in our past auctions.

The 3,000 circulation strike and 30 proof gold dollars struck in 1879 marked the start of the "late era" of gold dollar coinage. The continued growth of the numismatic hobby in 1879 and beyond was characterized in part by hoarding activities of collectors and dealers. Among them was the Chicago brewer, Virgil M. Brand. Dave Bowers reports in A Guide Book of Gold Dollars that an unidentified Baltimore investor (possibly T. Harrison Garrett) acquired large quantities of 1879, 1880, and 1881 gold dollars. As a result, those issues remain plentiful today, despite the low mintage figures.

Douglas Winter Commentary: This is a comparatively common issue in MS66 that becomes very scarce in MS67 and which might not exist in finer grades. The Duckor example is choice for the grade with lovely natural color and slightly prooflike surfaces. If you are looking for an affordable "souvenir" of this remarkable collection, the present 1879 gold dollar may be among the most affordable coins in the sale.

Provenance: Heritage (6/2013), lot 5546.
From The Duckor Family Collection of Gold Dollars.(Registry values: N2998)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 25DH, PCGS# 7580, Greysheet# 8042)

Weight: 1.67 grams

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper

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