Lot 1447
1854-D $1 Gold Liberty. NGC graded AU-58. Lightly toned with plenty of luster still intact. Only 2935 coins struck. This exciting Dahlonega gold rarity has original gold luster present with a hint of toning that suffices to add character to the very pleasing surfaces, surfaces that are free of any serious impediments. It resides in a grade classification with a small accompaniment of other AU58 coins. There are about two dozen Mint States recorded in the census. Of course, he was not aware of this example and it is not included in his roster. The opportunity to acquire a rarity is more important than the price paid. No matter what the successful bidder pays for this 1854-D, he will then possess it, while hundreds if not thousands of gold dollar buyers will be left seeking a similar dream-specimen and regretting the lack of an ownership opportunity.
Among Type I gold dollars of the brief 1849-54 period, the 1854-D stands out among Dahlonega issues. It is the rarest issue, both in terms of mintage and from the number of examples than can be counted today. All may have been struck from one reverse die (the obverse has not been as closely studied), this die being one of three shipped to Dahlonega for use this year. (Enough obverses were on hand from prior years that no additional obverse dies were required in 1854.) Regarding the number surviving from the 2,935 mintage, a ratio of 3% to 4% would point to as few as 100 pieces, which, indeed, is probably quite near the mark. In any auction season, very few pieces appear for sale. Pop 34; 28 finer (PCGS # 7526) .
Estimated Value $7,000 - 7,500.
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