1860-D G$1 (Regular Strike)

David Akers (1975/88): Considered by many to be in the same rarity class as the 1856-D and 1861-D but, in my opinion, much more common than either of those two dates. In fact, the 1860-D is definitely overrated as a rarity ocmpared to several other dates in this series. Typically, the 1860-D is weakly struck on a low quality planchet. Most specimens seen are particularly weak at the U in UNITED on the obverse. Extraordinary claims by some cataloguers that only twelve, fifteen, or twenty specimens are known are, in my estimation, quite inaccurate. Nevertheless, the date is very scarce, particularly in choice condition. However, I must admit that I have seen more high grade examples of this date than I have of the 1859-S, 1855-C, and a number of others.

Doug Winter: The rarity of this date has been overstated. The 1860-D gold dollar is definitely not as rare as its tiny mintage figure would suggest. However, it is still legitimately scarce and it is very rare in higher grades.

When available, the typical 1860-D gold dollar grades Very Fine to Extremely Fine. This is a rare date in About Uncirculated and it is very rare in the higher About Uncirculated grades. The 1860-D is extremely rare in Mint State with just a half dozen or so currently known.

STRIKE: The 1860-D is the worst struck Dahlonega gold dollar. The obverse has a generally flat appearance with considerable weakness on the plumes and hair. The legend is thick and heavy with strong doubling on each letter. On all known examples the U in UNITED is weak and on many this letter is illegible; other pieces show weakness on the N as well. The border is very weak and the milling is indistinct except from 12:00 to 4:00. The wreath is always weak at the bow and the lower part of the right side and it may show weakness in other areas. The O in DOLLAR is filled and blurry while the 86 in the date ranges from weak to nearly illegible. The border is weak with virtually no milling and the area from 9:00 to 11:00 appears irregular and flat.

SURFACES: The surfaces on nearly all 1860-D gold dollars show mint-made roughness or other irregularities. The quality of the planchets used to strike this date are among the poorest for any Dahlonega issue. As a result, it is very hard to find a coin that is not granular or porous.

LUSTER: This date shows below average luster. High grade pieces typically have grainy, slightly dully surfaces which appear lifeless.

COLORATION: Uncleaned, original 1860-D gold dollars most often show pleasing coppery-orange coloration. Only a small number exist that have fully original coloration as most have been cleaned or dipped.

EYE APPEAL: When discussing eye appeal, certain allowances must be made to all Dahlonega gold dollars. But even by the standards of this series, the 1860-D has well below average eye appeal. There are just a small handful known which are comparatively attractive.

DIE VARIETIES: One die variety is known.

Variety 12-P: The lettering on the obverse is as described above. The date is extremely small, as on the Philadelphia and San Francisco gold dollars dated 1860. The date is positioned further to the left than on the 1860 Philadelphia and San Francisco dollars with the left edge of the 1 under the right side of the O in DOLLAR. The mintmark is large and high and it nearly touches the wreath, but is free of the ribbon ends.