An enchanting premium Gem with two markedly different finishes on both sides. Whereas the obverse is prooflike with a mirrored field, the reverse has a uniform satin to softly frosted texture throughout. Sharply struck with gorgeous rose-orange patina, this is an uncommonly well preserved and exceptionally attractive survivor from a circulation strike mintage of just 3,000 coins. As with most of the following issues through the end of the gold dollar series in 1889, the 1879 is more readily obtainable in todays market than the mintage might imply. This is due to widespread hoarding by contemporary numismatists, including Chicago beer magnate Virgil M. Brand and possibly also T. Harrison Garrett. The 1879 is more conditionally challenging than later date issues such as the 1880, 1881 and 1889, however, and represents a fleeting bidding opportunity in grades above MS-65, as here.,PCGS# 7580. NGC ID: 25DH.,PCGS Population: 37; 11 finer (MS-67 finest).,From Heritages Long Beach Signature Sale of June 2013, lot 5546; Heritages sale of the Duckor Family Collection of Gold Dollars, August 2015, lot 4280.
