Pre-Long Beach Auction #84

1857-C. PCGS graded MS-62. PQ. The 1857-C is important as the first Charlotte issue of the Type Three gold dollar design, none having been coined in 1856. By this time, the demand for the gold dollar denomination was waning, perhaps due to the proliferation of pieces also made in the South by the Bechtler family. Whatever the indication, those depositing gold bullion called for higher denominations during this period, most often the half eagle. As it developed, no Charlotte gold dollars were struck in 1858 either.

Only one die pairing for the 1857-C gold dollar was used to coin 13,280 pieces. This is a difficult date in all grades and extremely rare as a Mint State example. The present MS62 example is presently one of the five finest seen by either PCGS or NGC. Both sides display considerable yellow-gold luster and an above-average strike on the design elements, though portions of Liberty's hair and the digits of the date are soft. A couple of planchet defects are noted on each side, a usual characteristic of this issue.
Pop 1; none finer at both services. (PCGS # 7545) .
Estimated Value $20,000 - 22,000.