1855 G$1 Indian Princess Gold Dollar PCGS MS63

David Bowers writes that the gold Type 2 gold dollar of 1854-1856 is the key to a gold dollar type set. He explains that collector demand for this specific type has pushed prices upwards. Bowers writes, "In absolute terms, the gold dollars of this type are not rare, but in relative terms, there is such an extensive demand for coins of this design that market activity is intense."

PCGS has graded 355 pieces as MS63 with 389 finer. Collectors Universe prices this issue at $5,000.00 in MS63. There are dramatic die clashes visible on both sides of this coin. David Akers tells that the weakness on the '8' in the date 1855, as well as 'LL' in DOLLAR, are both typically for the 1855 Indian Princess gold dollar.

Self-portrait by James B. Longacre (1845), watercolor on board. Longacre crafted the beautiful Indian Princess design on gold coinage. Image: wikipedia.