1889 Gold Dollar. MS-67 (NGC). CAC. This beautiful Superb Gem numbers among the finest known 1889 gold dollars, with only four ranked higher at CAC. The surfaces are absolutely exquisite with satiny luster and lovely rose-gold coloration. Very well struck despite a late die state and fully pristine under inspection. It is difficult for us to imagine a more appealing gold dollar of this date.<p>The United States Mints regular issue gold dollar series passed into history in 1889 with a mintage of 1,779 Proofs (nearly all sold to make jewelry; today this is the rarest Proof of the decade) and 28,950 circulation strikes. The denomination had long since fallen out of favor in commerce. Once gold coins disappeared from circulation in the Eastern and Midwestern states early in the Civil War, mintages at the Philadelphia Mint dropped off markedly beginning in 1863 and remained limited through the series end, with the exception of isolated increases in 1873 and 1874. Only one mintmarked issue was produced after the 1861-D, the 1870-S. As with most of the low mintage issues of 1879 to 1889, 1889 gold dollars were saved in significant quantity by contemporary numismatists and other speculators. For those seeking the utmost in quality and eye appeal for this issue, however, this lot offers a rare bidding opportunity. MS-67 is the grade level at which the otherwise relatively obtainable 1889 develops into a major condition rarity.</p> From the Dr. Paul and Rosalie Zito Collection.
