1856-D $1.00 NGC MS62 Duke's Creek

Duke's Creek Collection pedigree. Only 1,460 1856-D gold dollars were struck and this is the third rarest date of this denomination from Dahlonega, trailing only the 1861-D and 1855-D. In high grades, it is the second rarest, trailing only the 1855-D. There are just four or five known in Uncirculated and the present example, pedigreed to the famous Duke's Creek collection, is the first to be available to collectors in close to four years. This very appealing example is well-known within the specialist community on account of its flashy deep orange-gold color which highlights the obverse and the reverse. The underlying surfaces are clean save for a pair of shallow blunt marks in the left field and the strike is better than average for the issue with a nearly full date (the 5 is slightly weak) and a bold mintmark. As on all known examples, the U in UNITED is barely visible. The current high grade population for the 1856-D gold dollar is two in MS62 with none better at PCGS and one in MS62 (this coin) with one better (an MS63) at NGC. There are two auction records for PCGS MS62's at over $40,000 (Green Pond: 1009 brought $47,150 in 2004 and ANR 9/03: 425 was bid to $41,400). With the market for high end Dahlonega rarities seemingly as strong as it has been for at least five years, this coin is fairly priced and it represents the chance for the serious gold dollar collector to acquire a famous example of a famous, legitimately rare date.

From the Duke's Creek collection (Heritage 4/06), Lot 1488, where it sold for $40,250

1862 $1.00 PCGS PR64 DCAM CAC

One of only 35 Proofs struck. It is likely that as few as 14-16 examples are known in Proof and this date rivals a number of other better-known, higher-priced issues in this series. This is a wonderfully choice example for the grade with bright, highly reflective fields and full cameo contrast. Both sides are superbly toned in deep natural orange-gold hues and there are just a few wispy hairlines (not from cleaning) seen on both sides. For the sake of identification, a tiny curved mint-made lintmark between DO in DOLLAR is mentioned. I think coins like this are exceptional value and I would strongly recommend putting early Proofs of all denominations away for a long-term hold as they seem to have lots and lots of upside. PCGS has graded just two in PR64DCAM with two better. This is the only example in this grade (with a DCAM designation) to have received CAC approval.

Ex Goldberg 2/06: 874 where it sold for $16,675

1849-D $1.00 NGC EF45

The 1849-D dollar is the most available gold coin from the Dahlonega mint, making it perfect for the new collector. This example is quite choice for the grade with nice dark green-gold color and very clean surfaces. The obverse is slightly weak as often seen at the center while the reverse is sharp with a full date. An old scrape below the 49 in the date is barely noticeable. While certainly not "rare" in the absolute sense of the work, nice affordable 1849-D dollars aren't easily located and this piece would be a perfect introduction to the Wonderful World of Dahlonega.

1859-D $1.00 NGC AU50

Evenly worn with pleasing medium to deep natural coloration on the obverse and the reverse. The strike is typical for the issue with some weakness at the centers but all of the details are defined except for the bow knot. The surfaces are especially clean which is uncommon for this issue. The 1859-D tends to be found in either very low grades or higher grades (AU55 and above) making it a hard issue for the collector on an average budget to acquire. This is a really solid example that would fit nicely into a date set of D mint gold dollars.

1855-O $1.00 PCGS AU53

The 1855-O is the only Type Two gold dollar from New Orleans and its status as a one-year type makes it very popular with a broad range of collectors. It is nowhere near as scarce as the 1855-C or 1855-D but it so much more affordable than these two issues. This particular example has wonderful eye appeal for the issue with intense rich orange-gold colors seen on the obverse and reverse. There is a small scrape below TAT in STATES that removes this coin from strong consideration at the AU55 level. Choice, attractive and great value at less than $2,000.