1850-D Gold Dollar. Winter 2-C, the only known dies. MS-63 (PCGS). CAC. Arguably the finest known example of this scarce and conditionally challenging issue, here is a significant offering for advanced Southern gold specialists. Vivid orange-rose color blankets both sides, the reverse with intermingled blushes of pale powder blue. Luster is full with a satiny, somewhat granular texture, and the fields reveal minimal semi-reflectivity. The 1850-D as an issue is poorly struck, and the present example is a bit soft in the centers on both sides, more so on the reverse where bluntness to the letters LA in DOLLAR and the digit 5 in the date is noted. The left peripheral features on both sides are also a bit soft, including the devices and border denticulation. The wreath is crisp, however, and there is also an uncommon degree of sharpness to Libertys portrait despite minor softness to the hair curls over the brow. All major design elements are readily apparent and fully appreciable. Surface preservation is impressive with no significant marks and just a trace of faint clashing (as made) from Libertys portrait in the reverse field to the right of the digit 1 in the denomination. A faint strikethrough inside star 4 and an equally trivial planchet void (both also as made) inside star 10 are the most useful identifiers for tracing this coins subsequent market appearances.<p>The 2013 Winter census includes only a single PCGS MS-63 for this issue, the Dukes Creek Collection specimen that is the primary plate coin on the <em>PCGS CoinFacts</em> website. Over the last decade two additional examples have been certified MS-63 by this service: the present example and another coin pictured on the <em>PCGS CoinFacts</em> website that is not as well struck. As of this writing, only the offered coin has met with strict CAC approval, and it is the highest graded 1850-D gold dollar verified by CAC. Impressive in all regards, and of undeniable rarity and significance, this coin would serve as a highlight in even the finest Southern gold cabinet. PCGS# 7511. NGC ID: 25BH. PCGS Population: 3; 0 finer. CAC Population: 1; 0. From Heritages CSNS Signature Auction of April 2008, lot 2402; our (Stacks) Orlando Sale of January 2009, lot 951.
