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Q. David Bowers: "A Gold Rush, and America’s Smallest Dollar"
Dentuck
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From the September 2008 Whitman Review:
"A Gold Rush, and America’s Smallest Dollar"
by Q. David Bowers
In all of American numismatics the gold dollar possesses a special charm. First minted in 1849, and very popular at the time, its production continued through 1889, by which time it had become an anachronism.
Today, this is perhaps the most collectible of the gold denominations, in terms of the opportunity to acquire a very extensive collection of dates and mintmarks or one that is absolutely complete. While there are a number of scarce and rare varieties, none are “impossible.”
A nicely preserved gold dollar is beautiful to behold. The Liberty Head design of 1849 to 1854 is a miniature, cameo version of the motif used on the double eagle. The Indian Head design, made in two variations from 1854 to 1856 and from 1856 to 1889, has long been a favorite. It may be worth noting that in 1905, President Theodore Roosevelt, in discussing designs being created by sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, commented: “Far and away the best coin we ever had is the little gold dollar with the feather crowned Indian on it.”
Continue reading....
"A Gold Rush, and America’s Smallest Dollar"
by Q. David Bowers
In all of American numismatics the gold dollar possesses a special charm. First minted in 1849, and very popular at the time, its production continued through 1889, by which time it had become an anachronism.
Today, this is perhaps the most collectible of the gold denominations, in terms of the opportunity to acquire a very extensive collection of dates and mintmarks or one that is absolutely complete. While there are a number of scarce and rare varieties, none are “impossible.”
A nicely preserved gold dollar is beautiful to behold. The Liberty Head design of 1849 to 1854 is a miniature, cameo version of the motif used on the double eagle. The Indian Head design, made in two variations from 1854 to 1856 and from 1856 to 1889, has long been a favorite. It may be worth noting that in 1905, President Theodore Roosevelt, in discussing designs being created by sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, commented: “Far and away the best coin we ever had is the little gold dollar with the feather crowned Indian on it.”
Continue reading....
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I didn't realize that he was coming out with this one. I'm quite sure that I will pick it up.
Collector of Early 20th Century U.S. Coinage.
ANA Member R-3147111