1856-D Gold Dollar. Winter 8-K, the only known dies. AU-50 (PCGS). OGH--First Generation. This is a very well defined coin for a Dahlonega Mint gold dollar, a feature that is greatly enhanced by the virtual absence of 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. Nearly complete satin luster shines forth from vivid surfaces bathed in deep orange-honey color. There are no sizeable or otherwise individually mentionable marks, and the in hand appearance is impressively smooth. There is essentially no wear, as above, and with faint hairlines evident to the persistent viewer it seems likely that PCGS net graded a Choice AU/Mint State coin to AU-50 to compensate for trivial mishandling on the part of an early numismatic owner. The eye appeal is strong, nonetheless, and the technical quality is still far superior to that seen in the typical survivor of this challenging issue. PCGS# 7543. NGC ID: 25CC.
