Lot 1246
1855-C. NGC graded MS-61. Nicely toned. Only 9,803 struck. A much better struck example than is typical for this issue with clarity at the central hair in spite of a few clashmarks around the portrait. The feather tops are, however flattened or gently bowed, providing evidence the thin planchet, though of the exact weight specified in the legislation, was insufficient to allow metal flow into the deepest die recesses. Soft luster with attractive reddish to pale orange-gold and rose tone; the surfaces are choice with the exception of a hairline or two near DOLLAR and the date on the reverse. Noteworthy is the fact the reverse is as detailed as we can recall having seen on an 1855-C gold dollar.
Critics are sometimes inclined to reproach, deride, blame and generally hammer the quality of branch mint Type 2 Gold Dollars because of their uneven strikes and consecutive and often broken appearance due to die clash marks, as if this were a plot of some sort. They do not realize the difficult conditions under which the press operators were working, forced as they were to use the flawed small Indian Head dies and thin planchets authorized by the Mint Director and staff. The mint presses in those days simply were not capable of dealing with this combination. All the same, the 1855-C is the rarest collectible Gold Dollar from Charlotte Mint in upper grades. And well regarded because of this. A lovely MS61, the coin offered here is certainly high in the Condition Census, and is among the finest examples that have been offered in many years. It is a highlight of what is clearly a nice selection of Charlotte and Dahlonega gold in the current sale. Pop 8; 5 finer, 1 in 61+, 4 in 62. (PCGS # 7533) .
Estimated Value $23,000 - 24,000.
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