1856-D Gold Dollar (1856-D G$1) NGC AU58. Bright luster in the devices and originality characterize this extremely rare dollar. A slightly greenish tint is visible because of the high silver content of the alloy, consistent with Dahlonega minted coins. Both sides of the coin are free of distracting handling marks or other blemishes. On the obverse the high points of the hair and the tops of the plumes are usually weak, and the U is always weak on coins of this date.

The O is filled on the reverse, which is also normal for this date. Although the 8 and 5 are usually weak, only the 5 is weak on the present coin. A small trace of wear is present at the hairline over the eye and on the bow knot, which accounts for the AU58 grade. The design shows a Caucasian Liberty wearing a stylized Native American headdress. Longacre used this device in several denominations. The wreath on the reverse, copied from the Flying Eagle cent, shows corn, cotton, maple, and maybe tobacco leaves around the denomination and the date.

The 1856 gold dollar is the first year of the Type 2 Large Size, Broad Head design that was issued from 1856 to 1889. The prior issue had to be redesigned because the date wore out easily, and they were too weak in the centers of the obverse so that newly minted coins looked worn and the dates were often not legible. To remedy this situation, the Type 2, Broad Head Dollars were created. On the new dies, the obverse relief was lowered. Where possible the details were arranged differently to avoid placing obverse and reverse relief design parts opposite each other.

The 1856-D had a scant mintage of 1,460, the second lowest for this design type. The coin is extremely rare in all grades. The NGC population report shows 14 in AU58 with 6 finer.