1860-S Gold Dollar - 1860-S G$1 NGC MS62 CAC. This well struck, Mint State, Western branch mint 1860-S gold dollar is tied for the third finest known at NGC and is the second finest at CAC. The coin is a mixture of light and dark yellow gold with original mint luster in protected areas. The presence of the color and luster affirms the coins originality. The surfaces are clean for the grade with no notable abrasion marks or other distractions. The strike is very strong with full details on the ends of the feathers, Libertys hair, the central numerals of the date, and the bow knot. The CAC sticker indicates that the coin is a premium quality piece that fully merits the grade assigned. 

The so called Indian Princess Head gold dollar was designed by James Longacre and minted from 1854 to 1889. The first, which is actually Type 2 because there was a prior Liberty Head gold dollar, was issued until 1856. The second Indian Princess gold dollar, Type 3, was minted from 1856 to 1889.

The Type 2 gold dollar showed a head of Liberty facing left wearing a stylized feathered headdress. It is inscribed LIBERTY on the headband. She is surrounded by the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. The reverse shows an open wreath of corn, cotton, maple, and tobacco tied below with a bow. The wreath encircles the denomination, 1 DOLLAR, and the date. The problem with the coin was that it did not strike up well. In fact mint state examples looked worn and, in some cases, so circulated that the date could not be read on the coin. This problem most affected the branch mint issues, which Longacre did not get to see until afterwards. The proofs that he saw did not have this as a problem. To remedy this situation, Longacre designed the Type 3 gold dollar. While the design was similar to the previous issue, Longacre lowered the relief and moved the obverse head so as not to be opposite a reverse relief area. This coin is called the Large Size or Large Head.

When Longacre first came to work at the Mint, he was opposed by Franklin Peale, the Chief Coiner. Peale was probably responsible for some blundered dies that Longacre was criticized for making. Peal was involved in a private, illegal medal manufacturing business using Mint facilities. He was concerned that this new political appointee would interfere with his business, and he resisted Longacres appointment as Chief Engraver. In the end Peale was found out and fired in 1854. Longacre flourished in his position and was responsible for creating many new designs including the Indian Head cent, the two-cent piece, the Shield nickel, the Liberty Head gold dollar, the Indian Princess gold dollar, the three-dollar gold piece, and the Liberty Head double eagle. 

In its population report, NGC shows 8 1860-S gold dollars certified at the MS62 grade level with 9 better. At CAC, as of August 2013, there is one, the present coin, in MS62 with 3 higher.