Sept. 23-24, 2002, The Pre-Long Beach Auction, Sale 16

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U. S. Gold Dollars

$1 Indian

 

Lustrous Gem 1854 Type II Gold Dollar

Lot 905 Click on photo for enlarged version Click on photo for enlarged version
1854 Type II. NGC graded MS-65. A monumental grade for this very rare type issue. The Philadelphia Mint had a change of directorship in 1853 when James Ross Snowden ascended to that position. Immediately, Snowden undertook to refurbish our coinage. He felt the gold dollar was too thick, and thus to small. Snowden directed the Mint Engraver Longacre to redesign the gold dollar for a thinner, but wider planchet. Longacre choose his $3 gold piece rendition of Liberty for the obverse, and on the reverse a wreath which would be very similar to the Flying Eagle cent reverse a few years later. These new gold dollars began production on August 19, 1854 and continued until the end of the year. In short order, Longacre redesigned the head again, and the obverse master hub was changed starting in 1856 on all gold dollars save for the San Francisco issues, which continued through 1856 with the so called Type II head only for that year. Hence, few were coined, and certainly not many saved, and the Type II gold dollars have always been in strong demand by collectors. Here is a gem example of this rare coin, and rare indeed it is, as NGC in their Population Report note only 19 have been so designated, with only 8 graded higher in various grades. An important opportunity for the specialist.
Estimated Value $25,000-UP.

 

Lot 906 Click on photo for enlarged version Click on photo for enlarged version
1854, Type II. SEGS graded MS-61. Struck from lightly clashed dies, as are most of this important type coin. Weakness on the high points, as often seen, and subdued luster in the fields. A few hairlines on the surfaces as well. Another coin to inspect prior to bidding, as are all for that matter.
Estimated Value $2,000-2,500.

 

Lot 907 Click on photo for enlarged version Click on photo for enlarged version
1855 Type II. MS-60. The planchet is a bit wavy from the heavy clash marks, which are common on this early Type II variety. Well struck and pleasing, and a scarce coin in this grade.
Estimated Value $2,200-2,600.

 

Lot 908
1857. EF-40. Some luster.
Estimated Value $140-160.

 

Lot 909 Click on photo for enlarged version Click on photo for enlarged version
1862. PCGS graded MS-62. Decent color and surfaces for the moderate grade. Mounted in an old small style PCGS holder.
Estimated Value $300-400.

 

Lot 910 Click on photo for enlarged version Click on photo for enlarged version
1864. PCGS graded MS-63. Flashy and bright, and sharp on the obverse, the reverse is clashed and we note some planchet roller lines at the center.
Estimated Value $1,700-2,200.

 

Lot 911 Click on photo for enlarged version Click on photo for enlarged version
1871. PCGS graded MS-65. A rare date in full gem condition, especially with such lovely color and surfaces. Both the obverse and reverse have the rich orange gold toning over bright luster. The obverse strike is reasonably sharp, while the reverse strike is a touch weak at the centers, but the date and denomination can still be seen. PCGS has graded 8 this high, with 11 graded higher of this date.
Estimated Value $3,500-4,000.

 

Lot 912
1873. Open 3. MS-60. Good luster and clean surfaces for the grade.
Estimated Value $190-210.

 

Lot 913 Click on photo for enlarged version Click on photo for enlarged version
1881. NGC graded MS-64. Bright and very fresh, with just a few faint hairlines from a higher grade. Boldly struck, and nearly a gem.
Estimated Value $800-1,000.


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