PREMIUM GEM PCGS/CAC MS66+ 1861 GOLD DOLLAR

Over a half million 1861 gold dollars were made and as one might expect, this date is common in the lower Uncirculated. Gems are another story altogether and this exceptional PCGS MS66+ is clearly a Condition Census example.

This is a pristine coin with vibrant rose and yellow-gold hues atop frosty surfaces. There are some strong clashmarks (as made) on both sides as well as a thin obverse crack from the base of the neck to the rim at 7:00. If this coin had just a bit more "pop" it would likely grade MS67 but it is really "as made."

This is the only MS66+ 1861 gold dollar currently graded by PCGS; see below for the pedigree.

The only two finer 1861 business strike gold dollars I have seen are the PCGS/CAC MS67+ Duckor coin which realized $32,900 as Heritage 2015 ANA: 4261 and the PCGS/CAC MS67 owned by Texas collector Bob Simpson.

For all intents and purposes, this is the finest available business strike 1861 gold dollar and it would fit well into a world-class gold dollar set.

CAC has approved three in MS66 or MS66+ with three finer (MS67, MS67 and MS67+).

Ex Heritage 10/12: 5495 where it sold for $7,638.

From the HandH Collection.