1856-D Gold Dollar. AU Details--Cleaned (PCGS).An old wipe has imparted a few light hairlines, though the overall complexion remains nicely composed for the assigned grade. Traces of satiny luster remain in the protected areas, and testify to the lack of true wear seen throughout. Nicely struck for the issue and free from notable blemishes. <p>With a paltry original mintage of just 1,460 pieces, it should come as no surprise to read that the 1856-D is a leading rarity in the Dahlonega Mint Gold Dollar series. Writing in the 2003 edition of the book <em>Gold Coins of the Dahlonega Mint: 1838-1861</em>, Southern gold expert Doug Winter ranks the 1856-D third in overall rarity and second in high-grade rarity among the 13 issues in this mintmarked Gold Dollar series. Perhaps as only 100 examples remain in all grades, and few offer the desirable AU sharpness exhibited by the present example.
