How Many High-Grade Dahlonega Gold Dollars Exist?

When it comes to rare coins, Dahlonega gold dollars are among the most sought after by collectors. As I work on the third edition of my book, Gold Coins of the Dahlonega Mint, 1838-1861, I have discovered some fascinating information about the availability of these coins, especially those in higher grades. In this article, we will explore how many high-grade Dahlonega gold dollars exist and what makes them so special.

Overview of Dahlonega Gold Dollars

Dahlonega gold dollars were produced at the Dahlonega Mint in Georgia during the mid-1800s. These coins were primarily made for circulation but were not used as much as other denominations, like the quarter eagle and half eagle coins. Because of this, they tend to be found in higher grades compared to those other coins. For instance, if there are about 150 to 200 Dahlonega gold dollars known, it’s common for at least half of these to be graded as About Uncirculated (AU) or Uncirculated (MS).

Rarity in High Grades

Dahlonega Gold Dollar Year	Known Examples	Uncirculated Examples	Grade Distribution
1849-D	600-700	40-60	MS60 to MS64
1850-D	100-150	6-8	Mostly MS63
1851-D	300-400	15-20	MS63 and higher
1852-D	125-175	7-10	Mostly MS61, some MS63
1853-D	150-200	7-10	MS65 and higher

Details About Each Year

1849-D

The 1849-D gold dollar is the most common and popular date among Dahlonega gold dollars. There are an estimated 600 to 700 known examples, with about 40 to 60 of them in Uncirculated condition. This makes it easier to find in grades MS60 to MS62, but it is rare in MS63 and extremely rare in MS64.

1850-D

The 1850-D is one of the rarer Type One Dahlonega dollars. It has about 100 to 150 known examples, with only six to eight Uncirculated coins. The highest grade observed for this coin is MS63, making it quite rare in high grades.

1851-D

The 1851-D is the second most common dollar from this mint. Approximately 300 to 400 pieces are known, with about 15 to 20 in Uncirculated condition. This date is harder to find than the 1849-D, especially in very high grades.

1852-D

The 1852-D is a bit more common than the 1850-D, with around 125 to 175 known. About seven to ten coins are in Uncirculated condition, mostly at lower grades like MS61 and MS62.

1853-D

This date has at least 150 to 200 known coins, with about seven to ten in Uncirculated condition. It is the most available Type One dollar from the Dahlonega Mint in MS65 and higher grades.

1854-D

The 1854-D is the rarest overall, with about 100 to 125 known and seven to ten in Uncirculated condition. Most of these Uncirculated coins are in lower grades like MS61 and MS62.

1855-D and 1856-D

Both the 1855-D and 1856-D are among the rarest Dahlonega gold dollars, with an estimated 75 to 100 known examples. The 1855-D has four to five Uncirculated coins, while the 1856-D has six or seven, mostly in MS61 to MS62.

1857-D and 1858-D

The 1857-D has around 150 to 200 known coins, with seven to ten in Uncirculated condition. Meanwhile, the 1858-D has about 250 to 300 known, with 15 to 20 Uncirculated examples.

1859-D and 1860-D

The 1859-D has around 300 to 350 coins known, while the 1860-D is rarer, with about 100 to 125 known. The 1860-D is often overlooked, with only five to six in Uncirculated condition.

1861-D

The 1861-D is the most desirable and valuable dollar from Dahlonega, with about 65 to 75 known. Many coins in this year grade around AU50 to MS60, with about ten to fifteen graded higher.

Conclusion

Dahlonega gold dollars hold a special place in the world of coin collecting. Their limited availability, especially in higher grades, makes them highly desirable. While some dates are more common, others are rare and hard to find. As I continue my research for the third edition of my book, it’s clear that these coins are not only valuable for their historical significance but also for their rarity. Collectors need to be aware of the high-grade examples available and understand that investing in these coins can be a smart choice for the future.

FAQ’s