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Heritage Auctions

Rare 1859-O Seated Dollar Featured in Heritage Auction

July 1, 2025 by Heritage Auctions

The upcoming Heritage Auctions Summer FUN US Coins Signature Auction #1384, held July 17-20, 2025, presents a remarkable opportunity for collectors with Lot #3062: an 1859-O Seated Dollar graded MS64 by PCGS with CAC endorsement. This underrated O-Mint issue stands out for its bold cartwheel luster and high quality, making it a prized addition for Seated Liberty dollar enthusiasts.

1859-O Seated Dollar

The 1859-O, alongside the 1860-O, is often considered one of the more available dates in the Seated dollar series due to their mintages. However, this tells only part of the story. Large quantities of these New Orleans issues were stored in Mint bags at the Treasury for a century, with thousands released primarily between 1962 and 1964. Most of these coins suffered from bagmarks and graded in lower Mint State conditions due to prolonged handling and storage. Select Uncirculated examples like this MS64 are far scarcer, and near-Gem or finer pieces are exceptionally rare, highly coveted by series specialists.

This particular 1859-O dollar, identified as OC-1, R.1, Osburn-Cushing Die State c/e with a high mintmark, showcases silver fields and motifs with faint champagne-gold accents, complemented by bits of blue and amber-gold toning at the margins. Light abrasions are present, consistent with its Choice Uncirculated grade, but the CAC endorsement confirms its superior quality. PCGS reports a population of 29 in MS64 (3 in 64+), with only 4 finer, while CAC notes 6 in 64 and just 1 finer (as of 5/25).

Don’t miss this chance to acquire a standout piece from the Seated Liberty dollar series. For more details or to bid, visit the Heritage Auctions website for the Summer FUN Auction, Lot #3062.

Filed Under: Auctions, Features

A Southern Gold Rarity: 1856-O Liberty Double Eagle

February 18, 2025 by Heritage Auctions

For collectors of Southern gold coinage, few pieces command as much reverence as the 1856-O Liberty Double Eagle. Struck at the New Orleans Mint, this coin represents the lowest mintage of any double eagle produced at that facility, with only 2,250 pieces ever made. Today, it stands as one of the most elusive and historically significant gold coins in American numismatics.

A Coin of Unmatched Rarity

Numismatic experts consistently rank the 1856-O among the premier rarities in U.S. gold coinage. Noted specialist Doug Winter describes it as the second-rarest Type One double eagle, behind only the 1861 Paquet Reverse. In addition, its overall scarcity surpasses even the esteemed 1854-O double eagle. Current estimates suggest that fewer than 40 examples exist across all grades, with two permanently housed in the Smithsonian Institution’s National Numismatic Collection.

1856-O Liberty Double Eagle Obverse
1856-O Liberty Double Eagle Reverse

The Context of Its Mintage

The limited production of the 1856-O double eagle can be attributed to shifting economic and industrial factors. Prior to 1854, the New Orleans Mint processed significant amounts of California gold, transported via treacherous routes for striking into coinage. However, the opening of the San Francisco Mint in 1854 drastically reduced the volume of bullion reaching New Orleans. By 1856, gold coin production at the Southern mint had dwindled, and that year’s double eagle mintage was cut short in October due to structural renovations at the facility.

Surviving Specimens and Pedigree Highlights

Unlike many collectible gold coins, virtually all 1856-O double eagles saw circulation, with only one known to have been deliberately preserved at the time of issue. That specimen, originally kept by New Orleans Mint Superintendent Charles Bienvenue, remains the sole Uncirculated example, graded SP63 by PCGS. Most survivors, however, exhibit varying degrees of wear, a testament to their extensive use in commerce.

Over the years, some of the finest known examples have passed through prestigious collections, including that of Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr., the only collector to assemble a complete U.S. coin set by date and mintmark. The specimen offered in the upcoming Heritage Auctions event, graded AU58 by PCGS, ranks high within the Condition Census and represents an exceptional opportunity for advanced numismatists.

The 1856-O’s Numismatic Legacy

The significance of the 1856-O double eagle was not widely recognized until the 20th century, particularly after the Gold Recall of 1933. With gold bullion holdings restricted, collectors began appreciating the numismatic value of large-denomination gold coins. Its reputation as a landmark rarity grew, particularly following the discovery of the Baltimore Hoard in 1934, which included a single example of the elusive 1856-O.

Decades of searching have yielded few additional specimens. Many are believed to have been lost during the Civil War, as Confederate forces funneled Southern gold reserves abroad, where much of it was melted. Today, only a small handful of examples remain available for collectors, making any public offering a numismatic event of great significance.

An Extraordinary Opportunity for Collectors

The upcoming Heritage Auctions 2025 February 27 – March 2 Long Beach Expo U.S. Coins Signature® Auction #1381 presents a rare chance to acquire an outstanding example of this historic coin. With its exceptional pedigree, strong technical quality, and place in numismatic history, this AU58 specimen is sure to attract considerable interest.

For those interested in learning more about the fascinating history of this issue, watch Heritage Auctions’ detailed spotlight video on the 1856-O Liberty Double Eagle:


Heritage Auctions. “1856-O $20 AU58 PCGS. Winter 1. Ex: Eliasberg.” 2025 February 27 – March 2 Long Beach Expo U.S. Coins Signature® Auction #1381, Lot #3384. Accessed February 2025. https://coins.ha.com/itm/liberty-double-eagles/1856-o-20-au58-pcgs-winter-1/a/1381-3384.s?type=YouTube-VLD-060215.

Filed Under: Auctions

Auction Benefits Foundation for the Carolinas Features 1861-D Gold Dollar

October 18, 2022 by Heritage Auctions

On November 2, 2022, Heritage Auctions will offer Mike Coltrane’s U.S. coin collection at an unreserved Signature Sale. Mike enjoyed a variety of numismatic pursuits including currency (to be sold in a Showcase auction on October 30), coins, and related financial documents. He was a student of history, always seeking to learn something new as his boyhood hobby progressed into an avocation. His interests encompassed Colonial issues, Federal coppers, and early half cents, as well as early, branch mint, and Territorial gold. Mike was a lifelong resident of Concord, North Carolina, and included Charlotte Mint gold bullion deposit records and other related documents in his collection; they are also being offered in this sale. Mike was committed to his hometown and was generous with both his time and money. Proceeds from this auction will be donated to charity, through the Foundation for the Carolinas, to assist individuals in need as well as for community betterment.

Below is the 1861-D gold dollar lot description.

1861-D G$1 AU50 PCGS. Gold CAC. Variety 12-Q. The Dahlonega Mint’s last report to the Director at Philadelphia occurred on February 28, 1861. Gold deposits were at $63,193 for the fiscal year up to that point, with $60,946 worth of coinage produced. That coinage included 1,597 half eagles struck during the first two months of 1861, but no gold dollars, even though the dies had already been supplied.

The Confederacy took control of the Dahlonega Mint in April. Mint Director James Pollock, in his Annual Report for the fiscal year ending June 1861, spoke harshly of the defection of the southern branch mints and the perceived effects on their coinage:

“Whether the coinage at these branches continues to conform to the laws and standard of the United States mint cannot now be ascertained. Efforts have been made to procure specimens of the gold and silver coins of the branch at New Orleans, since its defection, for the purpose of determining whether any adulteration or reduction in value of the issues of that branch had been attempted; but thus far no such specimens could be obtained. The treason that can refuse to recognize the lawful authority of a just government, would not hesitate to adulterate the coin made in an institution wrested from that government by lawless violence; nor would it blush to conceal the wrong under the emblems and devices of an honored national coinage.”

Contrary to Pollock’s expectations, coinage standards at the southern branch mints did not falter under the auspices of the Confederacy. Brief experiments with new cent and half dollar designs occurred in New Orleans, but the bulk of the coinage produced in the South after its secession was with existing federal dies. After the 1,597 coins reported in February, Dahlonega Mint personnel struck a small number of additional half eagles for the Confederacy, as well as a new coinage of gold dollars. Mintage figures were unrecorded, but study of the survivorship suggests that the Confederacy struck 1,000 to 2,000 half eagles at Dahlonega sometime after the end of February 1861, and 500 to 1,000 gold dollars. Thus, the 1861-D gold dollar is distinguished as having been entirely produced under the auspices of the Confederacy.

The circumstances of the 1861-D gold dollar’s production, presumably scant mintage, and modern-day rarity make it the most sought-after gold dollar of any date and mint, with perhaps the sole exception of the 1849-C Open Wreath, which is essentially uncollectible. Gold scholars David Akers and Doug Winter have both noted that while the 1861-D is rare overall, surviving examples tend to grade in the AU and low Mint State ranges more often than other Dahlonega issues. While that narrative remains true, it requires amendment. The entire survivorship of this issue is estimated to be only 65 to 75 coins. A significant portion of that population is cleaned, repaired, or otherwise damaged, and those coins form a disproportionately large portion of the public auction appearances for this date. Problem-free 1861-D gold dollars are incredibly rare, and most of those known are held in strong collections.

This coin, housed in an old “rattler” holder, is high-end for the grade. Smooth, satiny surfaces yield blended olive-gold and peach-yellow color, with original luster in the fields. The Dahlonega specialist will recognize the weak strike below Liberty’s bust, but the complete reverse border is a welcome refreshment. The central devices exhibit a degree of sharpness seldom seen on any Type Three D-mint dollar, let alone an 1861-D. A truly memorable example. Ex: FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2020), lot 4319.(Registry values: N7079)

Heritage Auctions is the largest fine art and collectibles auction house founded in the United States, and the world’s largest collectibles auctioneer. Heritage maintains offices in New York, Dallas, Beverly Hills, Chicago, Palm Beach, London, Paris, Geneva, Amsterdam and Hong Kong.

Filed Under: Auctions, Features

Scarce 1853-D Quarter Eagle Heads to Auction

September 18, 2019 by Heritage Auctions

1853-D Quarter Eagle
1853-D Quarter Eagle, MS62, Rare in Mint State, None Certified Finer.

Scarce in all grades, the 1853 Dahlonega quarter eagle is rare in Mint State and unknown any finer than the MS62 level. The latest Doug Winter reference pegs the number of surviving pieces in all grades at 85 to 105 coins — a figure echoed by PCGS CoinFacts, which suggests that under 100 pieces are known. Just 3,179 pieces were struck. We have sold just one MS62 example in the past 13 years, and that was five years ago.

This brassy-gold example shows a minimum of marks for the grade, with a thin line of mint grease that passes through the right side of star 7 to Liberty’s hair. Some flecks of deep-gray build-up surround the stars, while soft min luster glows from both sides. The obverse strike is unusually sharp at the stars, with the normal soft definition on the eagle’s legs and talons as well as the curls below LIBER as is always the case for the 1853-D. Neither NGC nor PCGS report a finer submission.

Learn more at the Newman Numismatic Portal at Washington University in St. Louis.

Filed Under: Auctions

Finest Known 1849-C Open Wreath Gold Dollar anchors auction

August 8, 2015 by Heritage Auctions Leave a Comment

1849-c-open-wreath-G$1-rAn 1849-C G$1 Open Wreath MS62 PCGS Secure, one of the rarest and most valuable coins in the U.S. gold series, is the centerpiece of Heritage Auctions Aug. 13, 2015, Platinum Night offerings from the company’s Aug. 12-16, 2015 ANA U.S. Coins Auctions in Chicago, IL.

“This is an issue of the rarest gold dollar ever made by the Charlotte Mint and the finest known surviving example,” said Greg Rohan, President of Heritage Auctions. “As such, it will be very hotly sought-after by the top collectors. Someone is going to walk away with a centerpiece for their cabinet when this auction is all said and done.”

Filed Under: Auctions

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