NGC Certifies Gem Set of Gold Dollars

A complete series of Type 3 proof gold dollars has been graded and encapsulated by NGC as the Riordan Collection. Extending from 1856 through the end of coinage in 1889, the average condition of these coins is outstanding. All of these proofs are quite rare, with mintages typically in the low dozens and a survival rate even lower.

Opening with the very rare issue of 1856, the Riordan Collection features the former Harry Bass, Jr. specimen, which NGC has certified as PF-65 Ultra Cameo, making it the finest example the company has graded. Another extremely rare proof is the gold dollar of 1857, also ex Bass. At PF-66 Cameo, this is also the finest example certified by NGC.

One of the condition rarities of this collection is the 1860 gold dollar. The Riordan specimen is the only Ultra Cameo example certified by NGC and grades an impressive PF-66.

Some of the 1868 gold dollar proofs are known with the dies in medal alignment, 180 degrees from normal, and the Riordan Collection example possesses this peculiar feature. At PF-66 Cameo, it is also the finest piece of its date certified by NGC. One of the top rarities in the gold dollar series is the 1873 issue, all the proofs of this date having the Closed 3 date style used early in that year. Grading PF-65 Cameo, it is another coin that is the finest certified by NGC.

Perhaps the most desired rarity in this long series is the 1875 proof, of which only 400 coins were made for circulation and a mere 20 proofs. The Riordan Collection’s example is superb, grading an amazing PF-66 Ultra Cameo. It is tied with one other specimen as the finest of its date certified by NGC.

Also having a mintage of just 20 pieces is the very rare 1878 proof gold dollar. Yet again, the Riordan Collection features the finest example certified by NGC, a superb gem grading PF-66 Ultra Cameo.

The Riordan Collection was submitted to NGC by Jeff Garrett of Mid-American Rare Coin. The company may be contacted at 1707 Nicholasville Road, Lexington, KY 40503 or by calling 859-276-1551. The email address is coinman4u@aol.com.