1849 Liberty Gold Dollar

HBCC#:

1001

Breen#:

6000

BD#:

n/a

Judd#:

n/a

Pollock#:

n/a

This smallest denomination United States gold coin was first minted in 1849. This design featured a Liberty head on the obverse while the reverse carried the denomination within a wreath. The concept of a gold dollar coin dates to 1836 when patterns were issued. Engraver James Barton Longacre prepared the designs and made minor alterations throughout the year. This example is from the first design issued, with a small Liberty Head and an Open Wreath. Larger heads and closed wreaths are found on later issues of 1849.

Provenance:

From Stack's sale of the Donald Groves Collection, November 1974, Lot 468. Previously from Stack's sale of June 1973.

Obverse:

Small head of Liberty faces left, her hair tied in a bun and held by a coronet inscribed LIBERTY in incuse letters. Around, 13 stars. Bust truncation is plain, without designer's initial.

Reverse:

Two olive branches cross below, tied by a ribbon, forming an open wreath. Within, 1 DOLLAR and the date. Around, the statutory legend, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Mintmark for branch mint coins is below ribbon knot.

Commentary:

"1(a)/A(a). Obverse: Type I. Small Head. No L. Reverse: Open Wreath. Diagonal die scratch under IT. No cracks."