1859-D Gold Dollar. MS-64 (PCGS).Offered is a spectacular condition rarity gold dollar that would do justice to the finest Southern gold cabinet. This coin is exceptionally well struck by the standards of the issuing mint; the obverse has overall sharp definition and the reverse is boldly defined apart from softness to the digits 85 in the date the ribbon that binds the base of the wreath. The surfaces are satiny in texture with pretty pale pink highlights to otherwise dominant orange-gold patina. The appearance is as nice as would be expected for the assigned grade, although a minor planchet flaw on Libertys cheek is noted -- a useful provenance marker. With superior quality and eye appeal for both the issue and the entire Dahlonega Mint gold dollar series, it is little wonder that this coin ranks among the finest 1859-D dollars known.The 1859-D is the most readily available Dahlonega Mint issue in the Type III gold dollar series, barely edging out the 1858-D for this distinction. With a paltry mintage of 4,952 pieces and no more than a few hundred coins believed extant, of course, the 1859-D is scarce in an absolute sense. Most survivors grade EF or AU, suggesting limited circulated for this issue on the eve of the Civil War. Undoubtedly many examples were melted as the nation descended into turmoil after Southern forces fired on Fort Sumter on April 12 and 13, 1861. Mint State survivors are rare. The present near-Gem is tied for finest certified at PCGS and ranked high in the Condition Census for the issue as presented by Doug Winter in the second (2003) edition of the reference <em>Gold Coins of the Dahlonega Mint: 1838-1861</em>. The plate coin for the issue in the first edition of Winters book.Ex our (Stacks) 55th Anniversary Sale, October 1990, lot 1010; Steve Contursi; Dr. Richard Appel; Heritage, November 1992; Superiors January 31-February 2, 1993 Auction, lot 1272; Leon Farmer Collection; Hancock and Harwell; Dukes Creek Collection; Heritages Atlanta, GA ANA signature Auction of April 2006, lot 1491.