5059

[L#5059] 1855-D G$1 NGC AU58

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:4,200.00 USD Estimated At:16,800.00 - 31,500.00 USD
[L#5059] 1855-D G$1 NGC AU58
After seeing our fair share of pretty average Type 2 gold dollars from this branch mint, it is always a treat to find one that is in a general way much nicer than average, not just "pretty average" but strikingly well made on most devices and clean, with original "old gold" color. Perhaps after you view the photographs (or hopefully, view the coin in person) you will understand why it leaps at you and poses this question: "Why not give me a bid?"

The decision to strike gold dollars along with silver dollars was the pet project of government officials. In theory, the price of silver and gold would be held in a steady balance and both would circulate alongside each other and be interchangeable in commerce. Naturally, coinage began in 1849, just as the flood of gold from the California Gold Rush began, sending a crushing supply of gold onto the world market. The tiny Gold dollars were minted in large numbers by the Philadelphia Mint, and in much smaller amounts at the three branch mints in the late 1840s and early 1850s. After a few years in circulation the Gold dollars were determined to be too small, measuring a scant 13 millimeters. Engraver James B. Longacre produced new dies in late 1854 which increased the size of the Gold dollar to 15 millimeters and depicted Liberty as an Indian Princess with a small head, but used the same amount of gold in the planchet. This design lasted until mid year 1856 when Liberty's head was modified once again to the large head or Type III design. Dahlonega struck the Type 2 pieces in 1855 only, with a mere 1,811 pieces made.