1857 $1 Gold Type III NGC MS64 CAC

The 1857 Gold Dollar Type III is one of the classic small-size gold coins of the United States and a centerpiece for collectors who appreciate both rarity and artistry in early American coinage. The gold dollar was the smallest denomination ever struck in gold by the U.S. Mint, and its compact size belies its importance. The 1857 issue belongs to the final design type of the series, the Type III, which featured improvements that addressed long-standing problems with earlier versions of the gold dollar.

The gold dollar series was first introduced in 1849, born out of the California Gold Rush that suddenly brought vast new supplies of bullion to the Mint. The denomination was convenient for commerce in theory, but its small size quickly made it impractical. Measuring only 13 millimeters in diameter, the first issues were easy to lose and difficult to handle. By 1854, the Mint had increased the diameter of the coin while slightly reducing its thickness. This second design, known as the Type II, featured an Indian Princess portrait with a tall headdress, but the fine details did not strike up well, resulting in weakly defined examples.

The Type III design, introduced later in 1856, was the solution to these problems. Chief Engraver James B. Longacre modified the portrait of Liberty, giving her a broader face and a smaller, more proportional headdress. The result was a design that struck more effectively while retaining the elegant Indian Princess motif. The reverse continued to feature an agricultural wreath of cotton, corn, wheat, and tobacco surrounding the denomination and date.

The 1857 Type III gold dollar is significant because it is one of the earliest issues of the improved design. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, it had a mintage of 774,789 pieces, which was a moderate production level compared to some earlier years of the denomination. Even so, high-grade survivors are scarce today. The tiny size of the coin made them vulnerable to loss and damage, and many were eventually melted. Finding an example in Mint State condition that also carries CAC approval places it among the more desirable survivors of the date.

This example has been graded Mint State 64 by NGC and bears the coveted green CAC sticker. The MS64 designation indicates a coin that is fully uncirculated with strong luster, sharp detail, and only minor marks visible under magnification. The CAC endorsement further certifies that the coin meets or exceeds quality standards for its grade, providing collectors with confidence in both its originality and its visual appeal. Coins with CAC approval often command premiums in the marketplace because they represent the best of their class.

The 1857 Type III is an attractive option for type collectors who want a single representative of the gold dollar series. It combines the improved design, practical mintage level, and historic appeal of a coin struck just before the Civil War. Collectors of U.S. gold more broadly also seek out Type III dollars as a reminder of the California Gold Rush era and the experimentation that shaped American coinage in the mid-nineteenth century.

For advanced collections, an 1857 in MS64 CAC stands as a prize. It offers near-Gem quality without reaching the price levels of the finest known examples, yet it remains rare enough to hold prestige. The combination of originality, preservation, and certification makes it a reliable choice for those who demand both beauty and quality.

In summary, the 1857 \$1 Gold Type III NGC MS64 CAC is a coin of historical and numismatic importance. It represents the final and most successful design of the smallest gold denomination struck by the United States. Its strong Mint State preservation, attractive design, and CAC approval make it a standout piece for collectors seeking an example that embodies rarity, artistry, and American history in one.