Numismatic

1849 $1 Liberty Gold Small Head Open Wreath No L AU-58 NGC

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The year 1849 marked a major milestone in United States coinage with the introduction of the gold dollar. This diminutive coin, struck from 90 percent pure gold, contains just under 0.05 troy ounces of precious metal. It represents the very beginning of the Liberty Head gold dollar series, a historic pre-1933 era of American currency. The obverse of this specific variety features the Liberty design known as the Small Head, which lacks the designer's initial L. On the reverse, the denomination of 1 DOLLAR and the date of 1849 are cradled by an open wreath, a design characteristic unique to the earliest issues of this denomination. This specimen has survived in remarkable condition, certified by professional graders at an impressive Almost Uncirculated 58 status.