Lot 630
PCGS GRADED MS 64 1854 TYPE II. PCGS graded MS-64. One of the nicest "64s" available of this important and desirable type coin. The small indian head design was short lived, coins of this new design were struck in mid-1854 through the end of 1855, with a small issue from the San Francisco Mint in 1856. Then the design was changed again to a larger head of Liberty for 1856 and onward. Many of the type II gold dollars that survive are not well struck, and have a variety of problems. No so here, the surfaces are free of annoying bagmarks, and the strike is very sharp on all but the right side of the 8 in the date and the first L of DOLLAR. Curiously the obverse lettering is very shallow, and the die shows rust surrounding the devices and lettering. This coin was struck after the obverse die was lapped, to remove some of the rust, which makes the lettering and devices more shallow in appearance.
We all know how hot it can be in Philadelphia in the late summer, with the humidity that is present one can see why dies would easily and quickly rust. Imagine the working conditions in 1854, air conditioning was decades away from being available, working with large, heavy steam operated machinery moving large quantities of metal planchets from the cutting room to the coining room was back breaking, hot work. Its a wonder anything at all was done during the summer months at the Mint.
Somehow this coin has survived in near-gem condition to come down to us today. Blazing greenish-gold luster on both sides, totally original and worthy of a strong bid.
Estimated Value $15,000 - 17,500.
From Bowers and Merena, Inc.'s H. W. Bass, Jr. II sale, October 1999, lot 85, previously from Abner Kreisberg, April 14, 1972.
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| Realized $17,250 |
