1855 Gold $1 Ty2 NGC AU58

The 1855 Gold $1 Type 2, graded AU58 by NGC, is a remarkable example of one of America’s most short-lived and historically significant gold coin designs. Struck for only three years, the Type 2 Gold Dollar stands apart for its elegant design, limited production run, and collectability within the broader Liberty Head series. This piece, certified AU58, represents an excellent balance of affordability, scarcity, and quality for advanced collectors of U.S. gold.

The Gold Dollar series was first introduced in 1849 during the height of the California Gold Rush. As new supplies of gold entered the Mint, the U.S. government responded by creating the smallest denomination gold coin ever issued. Over the next several decades, the series underwent three distinct design types, each reflecting improvements and stylistic changes. The Type 2, introduced in 1854 and discontinued in 1856, is the rarest of the three types in terms of availability and survival.

The design of the Type 2 Gold Dollar was the work of Chief Engraver James B. Longacre, who also designed the Indian Head Cent and the Liberty Head Double Eagle. On the obverse, Liberty is portrayed wearing a feathered headdress, often referred to as the Indian Princess design. The portrait is encircled by the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” creating a bold and distinctly American look. The reverse features an intricately detailed wreath of cotton, corn, tobacco, and wheat , crops symbolic of the nation’s agricultural wealth. At the center are the denomination “1 DOLLAR” and the date “1855.”

What sets the Type 2 design apart from the others is its smaller diameter combined with a higher-relief portrait. This combination led to striking difficulties at the Mint, resulting in coins with weak details and poor overall definition. Because of these production challenges, many pieces show flatness in the central areas, particularly around Liberty’s portrait and the wreath. For this reason, examples that approach full detail are highly sought after. The 1855 issue, being the second year of the Type 2 design, is prized for its rarity and is considered one of the more challenging issues within the entire Gold Dollar series.

The present coin, certified AU58 by NGC, displays sharp remaining detail with only the slightest signs of circulation. AU58 coins are highly desirable because they are on the cusp of Mint State, often retaining much of their original luster and eye appeal while coming at a fraction of the price of uncirculated examples. This particular specimen shows the distinct character and charm that collectors expect from Type 2 gold, along with surfaces that have been well-preserved for more than 160 years.

Owning an 1855 Gold $1 Type 2 is not only a chance to add a rare piece to a collection but also an opportunity to hold a tangible artifact of America’s mid-19th century. These coins circulated during a time of rapid growth and change in the United States, a decade marked by westward expansion, industrial progress, and rising tensions leading into the Civil War. Each surviving example speaks to that formative era in the nation’s history.

For collectors of U.S. type coins, the Type 2 Gold Dollar is an essential acquisition. Its rarity, unique design, and production challenges make it one of the standout issues in American numismatics. The 1855 date adds further desirability, offering a combination of history and scarcity that few small denomination gold coins can match.

In conclusion, the 1855 Gold $1 Type 2 NGC AU58 is a superb example of an elusive coinage design. With its distinctive artistry, short-lived production, and appealing near-Mint State grade, it offers both historical and numismatic value. Whether added to a type set, a gold dollar collection, or as a highlight piece on its own, this coin represents a significant chapter in America’s golden heritage.