1854 Type 2 Gold $1 - Question

Windycity

Take a look at the 1854 Type 2 Gold $1 coin and see if you can determine what happened to the obverse top field. Hard to capture in pictures, but the field above the crown from the middle of "STATES" to the top of the crown appears to be raised. Image of reverse shows no counter effect. Any thoughts appreciated.




Couple more obverse shots with slightly different lighting.

PerryHall

Looks well struck. Usually the center of the reverse is very weak. This type was very poorly designed. A high relief Liberty is very difficult to properly strike up on a very thin planchet. That is why they redesigned this coin after only two years of use. As far as your question, perhaps the die sunk in this area due to heavy and repeated use.

TPRC

I am no expert, but what looks like bubbling between and around the lettering in S-T-A and T-E-D, and most of AMERICA, together with the weakness of the lettering, would immediately cause me to question whether it is genuine. However, Perryhall and others are much more knowledgeable on authenticity issues.

LindeDad

Not showing that well but the coin appears to of been struck with clashed dies.

Looking closer I also think there is evidence of bubbling which is strong indicator of it being a contemporay counterfeit.

PerryHall

<< <i>Not showing that well but the coin appears to of been struck with clashed dies.

Looking closer I also think there is evidence of bubbling which is strong indicator of it being a contemporay counterfeit. >>



It's quite genuine and, yes, there is evidence of die clashing which is quite common for this design type.

LindeDad

So the bubbling could of been rust pockets in the die then?

PerryHall

<< <i>So the bubbling could of been rust pockets in the die then? >>



These were frequently poorly struck and sometimes planchet roughness is still visible on the struck coin. Also, die rusting can cause pitting in the die surfaces which will result in small raised pimples on the struck coin.

Windycity

Thanks for information. No question it has die clashing which is very evident on reverse. Die also shows rusting which is more evident on obverse in "STATES" - Worth submitting?

BillJones

Breen mentions five varieties of the 1854 Type II gold dollar. Breen variety 1854 II-4 was struck from a rusty die. I don't think that it is rare becasue I've seen a number of them. I once owned a piece, which probably now in an MS-65 that had quite a bit of die rust between the letters on the obverse. The atmosphere was humid in Philadelphia, and if the workmen were not careful, the dies would rust especially in the summer.