1856-D Gold Dollar. Winter 8-K, the only known dies. AU-55 (PCGS). This is a very well defined Dahlonega Mint gold dollar, a feature that is greatly enhanced by the absence of all but light wear. On all known 1856-D gold dollars the letter U in UNITED is weak, as here, but the balance of the design elements on that side are quite bold. The central reverse is also a bit soft, again typical of the issue, and die rust (as made) has obscured some of the finer detail within the right side of the wreath. Ample satin luster shines forth from vivid golden-orange surfaces that are free of singularly notable marks.<p>With a mintage of just 1,460 pieces, 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. Not many more than 100 examples remain in all grades, and few offer the desirable Choice AU preservation of the present example.
