1854 $1 Indian Head Gold Type 2 MS-64 NGC

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In 1854, the United States Mint introduced a striking transformation to its smallest gold denomination. This coin represents the Type 2 design, a fascinating and brief chapter in American numismatics that was minted in Philadelphia without a mint mark. With a mintage of 783,953 pieces, this specific issue is a survivor of a design that was quickly modified due to striking difficulties, making well-preserved examples highly compelling to study. The obverse features an stylized portrait of Liberty wearing an ornate Native American headdress, a design shift that gave the series its enduring name. The reverse displays the denomination of 1 Dollar and the year of issue within a rich agricultural wreath. This particular specimen has survived the decades in remarkable condition, certified by professional graders at Mint State 64 (MS-64), which highlights its sharp details and original luster. It contains 0.0484 troy ounces of 90 percent pure gold, representing a tiny but beautifully detailed piece of mid-nineteenth-century craftsmanship.