The mintage for this issue was 80 pieces but as with all Proof gold dated 1859, this figure was ambitious and many coins were melted. Today there are as few as 15 known and most have been cleaned or mishandled. In PR64, the 1859 gold dollar is a very rare and much undervalued coin.

This piece has a very “non-conserved” appearance with attractive natural golden-orange color over reflective surfaces. There are a few light hairlines in the left obverse field which limit the grade but the eye appeal is excellent on account of the contrast between the frosted devices and the watery fields. Unlike most Proof gold dollar of this era, there are no lintmarks or other detracting mint-made striking impediments.

Heritage 8/13: 5803, graded PR64 by PCGS but a point better than this in my opinion, just sold for $22,325. There have been no other PCGS PR64 gold dollars sold at auction since the Bowers and Merena 2003 ANA: 2450 coin.

In my opinion, there are no better values in the proof gold market than early date Type Three dollars and this 1859 offers a great degree of rarity for a reasonably affordable price.