1857 Gold $1 Type III NGC PR65

1857 $1 Gold Coin – Type III Proof Liberty Head Rarity

The 1857 Gold $1 Type III Proof coin is a numismatic rarity that captures the refinement and ambition of mid-19th-century American coinage. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint in extremely limited quantities, this proof issue is among the most coveted examples of the smallest gold denomination ever issued by the United States.

This coin features the Type III Liberty Head design, introduced in 1856 and created by James B. Longacre, Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint. The obverse presents an elegantly detailed Liberty wearing a feathered headdress inscribed with “LIBERTY,” framed by 13 stars representing the original colonies. The reverse displays a delicate wreath encircling the denomination and date—simple, balanced, and timeless.

Proof coins from this era were not intended for circulation but rather struck for collectors, dignitaries, or archival purposes. The 1857 issue is especially significant as it was minted just prior to the Panic of 1857, a financial crisis that disrupted the U.S. economy and sharply curtailed coin production. As a result, only 50–75 proof specimens are believed to have been struck that year, and far fewer survive today in high-grade condition.

This coin is composed of 90% gold and 10% copper, weighing 1.672 grams with a diameter of 15 mm. It contains 0.0484 troy ounces of pure gold—a compact but powerful piece of American monetary and artistic history.

The 1857 Type III Proof Gold Dollar is more than a collectible; it is a tangible relic of pre-Civil War America, encapsulating precision minting, historical depth, and enduring beauty. Ideal for advanced collectors and historical investors alike, this rare proof dollar is a shining example of 19th-century U.S. Mint craftsmanship.