Numismatic

1858 $1 Indian Head Gold MS-65 NGC

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In 1858, the Philadelphia Mint produced a run of 117,995 gold dollar coins. Strikingly small yet rich in detail, these pieces represent a fascinating era of United States coinage. This particular specimen has survived the decades in an extraordinary state of preservation, earning a high grade of Mint State 65 (MS-65) for its exceptional luster and minimal surface marks. Struck from 90 percent pure gold, the coin contains 0.0484 troy ounces of precious metal. The design showcases the distinct Indian Head motif, a celebrated aesthetic from the pre-1933 era of American currency. Because it was minted in Philadelphia, the coin bears no mint mark, leaving the focus entirely on the artistry of the strike. The reverse side of the coin clearly displays the denomination of "1 DOLLAR" alongside the year "1858". Finding a coin of this age and delicate size in such a well-preserved, certified condition offers a rare window into the mid-nineteenth-century monetary history of the United States.