Like the previous year, this date is known with both large and medium mintmarks. The difference, however, is small, and not much noted except by specialists of the series. The present specimen employs the medium D reverse, but this fact is not as important to us as the high quality this coin has retained over the last 150 years. Many Dahlonega gold coins, like those from the Charlotte Mint come with various problems, including striking problems, planchet flaws, post-strike damage, cleaned surfaces and so on. Luckily enough, this coin has been kept free of most of those factors.

Relatively sharply impressed for the issue, this coin is one of the finest known. Only seven have been graded by PCGS at the MS-62 level (three by NGC), but we think that the actual number might not be higher than four individual pieces. Like many rare coins, the number no doubt has been inflated by numerous resubmissions of the same coin. Three have been graded finer at both PCGS and NGC combined, with the finest grade that is available being MS-64. Some pieces are known that have been graded MS-60 and MS-61, but our experience is that many of these are coins which had previously been graded in the higher circulated grades.

The present specimen no doubt is an uncirculated coin, with fully lustrous surfaces on both sides. No luster breaks are seen, confirming its status as an uncirculated coin. The fields are relatively mark-free, with only a couple of minor abrasions noted that presumably limit the grade. As previously mentioned, the strike is relatively sharp for this issue, with only some minor weakness noted on the centers, frequently seen on all Dahlonega gold coins. Orange to sun-yellow coloration is seen, quite pleasing in hand and fresh looking. A great coin for the specialist and an offering which is not repeated easily at this grade level.