GOLD DOLLARS 1849-1861 | Type Three 1856-1861 |
---|---|
Diameter: 15 millimeters | Large Indian Head |
Weight: 25.8 grains | Fineness: .900 |
Edge: Reeded | Designer: James B. Longacre |
The 1861-D is the most famous gold dollar struck at the Dahlonega Mint. This date is historic because the coins were struck by the Confederate States of America after they seized the Mint in April, 1861. Most experts agree around 1,000 to 1,500 coins were minted. Most known specimens are weakly struck, and the U in UNITED is almost always weak or missing. Amateur minters from the rebel forces struck the coins and that helped lead to many having surface defects. Coloration on original, uncleaned 1861-D gold dollars ranges from orange-gold to deep green-gold to rich yellow-gold. Many of the higher grade pieces display thick, frosty luster. Less than 110 coins survive today with more than 11% being Mint State.
1861-D
Mintage: Unknown