1854-D Gold Dollar. MS-63 (NGC). OH.，A remarkable condition rarity in a Dahlonega Mint gold dollar of any date, this thoroughly premium quality example seems conservatively graded at the MS-63 level. Luster is full and satiny with minimal granularity to the texture, the latter feature often associated with the few 1854-D gold dollars that retain even the slightest hint of the original mint finish. Vivid golden-orange patina blankets both sides, the surfaces predominantly smooth and obviously handled with great care since the day of striking. Regarding the strike, it is characteristic of the issue with the obverse sharp to full throughout and the reverse a bit blunt over the date and lower left portion of the wreath. Due to the lack of wear, however, the overall detail of this coin is exceptionally bold for an issue that is typically offered no finer than EF. Solidly in the Condition Census, and eagerly awaiting inclusion in an advanced collection of Southern gold. The 1854-D is one of the most elusive Dahlonega Mint gold dollars, ranking fourth in overall and third in high grade rarity in this mintmarked series per Doug Winter in the 2003 edition of <em>Gold Dollars of the Dahlonega Mint: 1838-1861</em>. The mintage is a scant 2,935 pieces, the extant population probably on the order of 100 to 200 coins. The typical survivor is well worn, if not also impaired, with problem free Mint State examples of the utmost rarity and desirability. We know of at most only two other 1854-D gold dollars that can rival this coin in terms of quality and eye appeal:1 - Ex NASCAs sale of the McNally Collection, December 1976, lot 577; Paramounts session of Auction 81, July 1981, lot 1335. "Mint State-63 or better," per Winter; we do not know whether or not this coin has been certified by PCGS or NGC.2 - Ex our (Stacks) sale of Philip H. Ward, Jr. Collection, April-May 1964, lot 1593; our (Stacks) sale of the Reed Hawn Collection, October 1993, lot 880. According to Winter, this coin was certified MS-63 by NGC after its appearance in the Reed Hawn sale. As of this writing, NGC reports only a single MS-63 on its <em>Census</em>, although the quality of the plates in the Hawn catalog is such that we have been unable to positively match the present example to that sale. Either this is the Hawn specimen or it is a newcomer to the Condition Census that has so far eluded numismatic scholars. In either case, the significance of this coin for specialists can hardly be overstated, and it is sure to see spirited bidding at auction.，，
