1853 G$1 Liberty Head PCGS MS61

1. Design:
   • Obverse: Features a left-facing portrait of Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed with the word LIBERTY. Thirteen stars surround the design, representing the original 13 colonies.
   • Reverse: Displays the denomination “1 DOLLAR” surrounded by a wreath of agricultural products, with the date 1853 below.
   • Designed by James B. Longacre, the Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint.
2. Specifications:
   • Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper.
   • Weight: 1.672 grams (0.04837 troy ounces).
   • Diameter: 13 mm.
   • Edge: Reeded.
3. Minting:
   • Struck at the Philadelphia Mint (no mintmark).
   • Total mintage for 1853: 4,076,051, making it one of the higher-mintage years in the series.

Grading and Condition

1. Grade:
   • MS61 (Mint State 61) is an Uncirculated grade, indicating the coin has no wear from circulation but shows noticeable bag marks or surface abrasions from handling or storage at the mint.
   • Graded by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service), a trusted authority in coin certification.
2. Eye Appeal:
   • While MS61 is the lowest Mint State grade, the coin retains full mint luster and detail, making it an affordable option for collectors seeking an uncirculated example.

Historical Significance

• Introduced during the California Gold Rush, the Liberty Head Gold Dollar helped absorb the influx of gold and provided a practical denomination for trade.
• It was the smallest coin ever minted by the U.S. Mint in terms of diameter (13 mm).
• The Type 1 design (1849–1854) was replaced in 1854 by the Indian Princess Head design (Type 2).

Collectibility

1. Appeal:
   • Popular among collectors of classic U.S. gold coins due to its historical context and affordability compared to larger gold coins.
2. Investment Potential:
   • Combines precious metal content with numismatic value, making it attractive for both bullion and numismatic investors.

Conclusion

The 1853 G$1 Liberty Head Gold Coin (PCGS MS61) is an affordable entry point into early U.S. gold coinage, offering both historical significance and intrinsic gold value.