The 1850-D is the second scarcest Type One gold dollar from the Dahlonega mint after the 1854-D. There are an estimated 125-175 known and properly graded AU55 examples are scarce.

This lustrous, well-detailed example is an early die state which lacks the comprehensive clashmarks seen on later strikings. The centers are sharp while the borders show typical flatness. For the grade, this coin is very lustrous with a good amount of original frost seen on both sides below pleasing medium sunflower gold color. There are a few shallow obverse marks near the star at three o’clock, otherwise this coin is wholesome, original and attractive.

There are only three auction records for 1850-D gold dollars in AU55 since April 2006. The most recent of these, for an NGC AU55, was Heritage 1/14: 6353 which sold for $3,055; this example was clearly very low end for the grade.

I have put together numerous complete sets of D mint gold dollars and the 1850-D is invariably one of the hardest issues for me to locate in acceptable grades.