1879 Gold Dollar - 1879 G$1 PCGS PF64 CAMEO CAC. This rare cameo proof 1879 Gold Dollar is tied for second finest at PCGS and third finest at NGC. This 1879 Gold Dollar coin shows some heavy die polishing on both sides, which is an indicator of authenticity. The mirrored surfaces are original and very reflective with light devices and dark fields. The grade of Proof 64 Cameo is confirmed by CAC, which means that the coin is of premium quality and fully merits the grade it was assigned.

James B. Longacre designed the dollar gold coin after making his three-dollar piece. He used the Indian Princess motif, which is a beautifully modeled classical head wearing a feathered tiara. The reverse has a wreath made of corn, wheat, cotton, and tobacco enclosing the denomination and date. Both sides have dentils around the periphery.

Longacre was born in Pennsylvania in 1794. He became an apprentice to a bookseller and then a banknote engraver in Philadelphia. In 1819 he worked on his own as an engraver and made metal plates for bank notes and book illustrations. His works included one on stage personalities and another on the signers of the Declaration of Independence. In 1830 Longacre and James Herring made plans to do a series of biographies of famous men in the military and in politics. This project became the National Portrait Gallery of Distinguished Americans in four volumes that was first published in 1834. This set of books brought great fame to Longacre and those who worked with him. In 1844, through the influence of John C. Calhoun, Longacre was made Chief Engraver at the Mint, where he succeeded the late Christian Gobrecht. Longacres experience was limited, but he was a talented artist. By 1849 he was able to create the gold dollar and double eagle, the design of which lasted until well into the twentieth century. One of Longacres associates, Chief Coiner Franklin Peale, opposed Longacres appointment and became an obstructionist. Peale ran a lucrative, private medal-making business using Mint facilities, and he felt that Longacres presence would jeopardize it. In 1854 Peale was fired by President Franklin Pearce, and Longacres life became easier. Longacre remained Chief Engraver until his death in 1869. Coins from Longacres estate were auctioned in 1870. They included patterns, coins of Chile, and regularly issued coins.

In discussing the Indian Princess motif, Longacre said that he was face with greater difficulties than he had thought he would have. The strongest objection was from those who advocated Greek and Roman models. To this objection Longacre replied, Why not be American from the spring-head within our own domain? ...From the copper shores of Lake Superior to the sliver mountains of Potosi, from the Ojibwa to the Araucanian, the feathered tiara is a characteristic of the primitiveness of our hemisphere, as the turban is of the Asiatic. Nor is there anything in its decorative character, repulsive to the association of Liberty, with the intelligent American: to us it is more appropriate than the Phrygian cap; rather the emblem of an emancipated slave, than of the independent freeman.

With an original mintage of 30, the 1879 proof gold dollar is rare in all conditions. Researchers estimate that 15 to 20 are known today. In its population report, PCGS shows 5 in PF64 CAM with 1 better. At NGC there are 4 with 4 better. These numbers do not account for crossovers or resubmissions. As of February 2012, CAC has confirmed only this coin in PR64 CAM with none better.