1876 Gold Dollar. MS-66 PL (PCGS).
This dazzling Gem readily lives up to the coveted PL designation from PCGS. Deeply mirrored and highly reflective, the fields form a splendid backdrop to boldly impressed devices. There is even considerable cameo contrast to the finish that enhances already memorable eye appeal. The smooth and virtually pristine surfaces are evenly toned in vivid orange-gold. 1876 saw the great Centennial Exhibition in Fairmount Park in Philadelphia, as many Americans celebrated the nation's independence, while still recovering from the turmoil of the Panic of 1873. Silver began to rise in prominence as "Silverites" campaigned for unlimited legal tender status for the metal at a 16 to 1 silver to gold ratio. Demand for gold dollars was desultory at best and only 3,200 gold dollars were struck at the Philadelphia Mint, making it one of the rarer of such issues. The coins seem not to have attracted much numismatic notice at the time, though a fair number of Mint State examples do exist, mostly at the MS-64 level and below. Truly exceptional specimens are very rare - fewer than two dozen pieces are recorded by PCGS at the Gem level or higher. As the sole example rating the Prooflike designation from this service, this is as good as they come and destined for the finest of gold dollar cabinets.
PCGS# 87577.
PCGS Population: 1 in all grades in the PL category.
From the Jerome S. Reznick Collection. Earlier from Paramount's New Orleans ANA Auction, August 1972, lot 2507. Collector tag with provenance notation included.

Estimate: $20000