1861 Gold Dollar (1861 G$1) PCGS MS64 CAC. Civil War One Dollar Gold. Frosty lustrous surfaces and pleasing preservation characterize this Civil War dated gold dollar. It is a choice piece, which is confirmed by its CAC sticker. A tiny mark on Liberty’s cheek and a couple in the reverse field keep this coin from the gem category. The strike is full on the reverse and almost so on the obverse. Clash marks are seen on both sides, although somewhat stronger on the reverse.

These do not detract from the grade. The “Indian Princess,” Broad Head gold dollar was designed by James Longacre. It was issued from 1856 to 1889. Longacre had to redesign the prior issue because the weak centers even on uncirculated coins were often not legible. He designed this Type 3, Broad Head Dollar, with the details arranged differently where possible to avoid placing obverse and reverse design parts opposite. He also lowered the obverse relief.

The design shows a Caucasian Liberty looking left. Her hair is tied behind her neck. She wears a stylized headdress with the word LIBERTY on its band. Around her portrait are the words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. The reverse shows an open wreath with the denomination, a large numeral, above the word DOLLAR with the date below. In its population CAC shows 8 in MS64 with 7 better.