1490

"1858-D G$1 MS66 NGC. Variety 10-L, the "

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
 1858-D G$1 MS66 NGC. Variety 10-L, the
<B>1858-D<G$1> MS66 NGC.</B></I> Variety 10-L. This is the only variety for the year, and it is characterized by thick lettering on the obverse, with the second S in STATES joined solid. The date is well centered and evenly placed, while the mintmark is large and well centered.<BR> There are two Gem 1858-D gold dollars known, of which this example is the finest. It has the most pleasing appearance of any Dahlonega gold dollar that we are aware of. Probably this coin's best attribute is its "freshness." This is a term that is difficult to describe, but one immediately recognizes it when a coin has "it." This coin has obviously been carefully preserved since it was made and has thick, frosty luster and superb, rich coloration that is almost never seen on a Dahlonega coin, regardless of date or denomination. With the exception of some weakness on the ER in AMERICA, the strike is quite bold for the issue. The tips of the bonnet are sharper than usual, while the milling at the obverse border is nearly complete. On the reverse, all of the detail is very strong, with a full date, sharp wreath detail, and bold milling. There is one small Mint-made flake below the E in UNITED. This is the result of a piece of foreign matter that stuck to the die at the time of strike, and it is seen on nearly all 1858-D gold dollars. With the exception of this trivial mark, the surfaces are nearly perfect and essentially "as struck." The luster is phenomenal. It is ultra-thick in texture, giving the appearance of an aura in front of Liberty's face and behind the head that is reminiscent of certain frosty Gem three dollar gold pieces. The coloration is a subtle orange-gold hue, with some greenish tinges on the high spots of the obverse; the reverse is a bit deeper, with an area of rich coppery-gold at the center.<BR> From the standpoint of aesthetics, this could well be the best Dahlonega gold coin in the entire sale. It has everything going for it: clean surfaces, great luster and color, and that <I>je ne sais quoi</B></I> that makes certain gold coins special. If you have been seeking a very high grade gold dollar from this mint as a type coin, this is a piece that should be given strong consideration.<BR> The current auction record for an 1858-D gold dollar was set in February 1999, when we sold the Miller collection coin (then graded MS65 by NGC) for $46,000. Look for this record to be broken when the Duke's Creek Collection is sold.<BR><I>Ex: Auction '89 (Akers' session, 8/89), lot 1345, where it brought $15,400; Auction '90 (Akers' session, 8/90), lot 1825, where it realized $33,000; Gene Sanders; Hancock and Harwell.</B></I><BR><I>From The Duke's Creek Collection of Dahlonega Gold.</B></I>