1861 Gold Dollar (1861 G$1) NGC MS67. Intensely creamy Civil War gem. This creamy, condition rarity Civil War-dated 1861 Gold Dollar is incredibly superb. The coin is vibrant with frosty mint luster. The only surface marks seen on it are clash marks on both sides, which are typical for the series and do not detract from the grade. The strike is well above average for the date and type.

For added interest the coin was struck from slightly rotated dies, which is not mentioned on the NGC insert. The 1861 gold dollar is an example of a Type 3 Gold Dollar. The first type was a Liberty Coronet Head, and Type 2 was a smaller Indian Princess Head that was minted for only two years. The problem with the Type 2s was that they did not strike up well. Mint state issues looked worn and, in some cases, the date was illegible. This problem was particularly acute on the branch mint issues because the presses used there did not have the same power as the ones used in Philadelphia.

The coins designer, James B. Longacre, cannot be blamed for the poor quality of the branch mint dollars since he saw Philadelphia proofs that were well made. To remedy problem, Longacre designed the Type 3 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 new type is called the Large Size or Large Head.

The coin shows a Caucasian 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.

With an original mintage of 527,150, the coin is available in various conditions. However, in Mint State 67 it is extremely rare. Both major grading services have encapsulated 2,084 coins in all conditions. In MS67 there are 3 others and none better.