Coin collecting is an exciting hobby that introduces enthusiasts to rare and valuable treasures. Among these is the unique double-struck 1855-O Type 2 Gold Dollar—a coin with immense historical value and rarity.
This particular coin is famous for its minting error: a second strike that was 95% off-center. This rare mistake makes the coin incredibly valuable to collectors.
A Rare Gem in Coin Collecting
The 1855-O Type 2 Gold Dollar was minted at the New Orleans Mint, a facility known for producing rare and historic U.S. coins. Out of the 55,000 coins minted in New Orleans, only this one was struck twice, with the second strike off-center.
This is what makes it so special—no other U.S. gold coin from 1795 to 1933 shares this exact error. The coin has been authenticated by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) with an AU Details grade, meaning it has a few marks but is still highly valuable.
What is a Double-Struck Coin?
When a coin is struck more than once during the minting process, it is called a double-struck coin. The double-struck 1855-O Gold Dollar has a first strike that is normal, but the second strike was misaligned by 95%, resulting in an off-center imprint.
This type of error is extremely rare, especially in gold coins. The rarity and uniqueness of this mistake make it highly sought after in the numismatic community.
Historical Significance of the New Orleans Mint
The New Orleans Mint was established in 1835 and played a significant role in U.S. coin production. This mint was operational until 1861 and again from 1879 to 1909. It produced several rare coins,
including the 1855-O Type 2 Gold Dollar. Due to its historical importance and the limited number of coins it produced, the New Orleans Mint is highly respected among collectors.
Value of the 1855-O Type 2 Gold Dollar
This particular gold dollar is considered priceless by many collectors due to its extreme rarity. The coin is one of only three known mint errors in this series, making it an incredibly valuable find.
Its rarity, combined with the off-center double strike, elevates it to legendary status. Such a coin is not just valuable in terms of money but also in its historical and numismatic significance.
Notable Double-Struck Gold Coins
Though the 1855-O Type 2 Gold Dollar stands out for its uniqueness, there are a few other notable double-struck U.S. gold coins. For example:
- An 1804 $2 ½ Draped Bust, double-struck with the first strike off-center, sold for $25,000.
- An 1806 $5 Capped Bust, triple-struck and rotated in the collar, sold for $50,000.
- An 1865 $1 Indian Gold Proof, triple-struck on the reverse, sold for $20,000.
While these coins are rare, none compare to the rarity and value of the double-struck 1855-O Type 2 Gold Dollar.
The 1855-O Type 2 Gold Dollar is a remarkable piece of numismatic history. With only one known example of its kind, the coin’s double-struck error and off-center second strike make it a prized possession for collectors.
Its historical background, tied to the New Orleans Mint, adds another layer of value, cementing its place as one of the most significant minting errors in U.S. history.
1. What makes the 1855-O Type 2 Gold Dollar so rare?
The coin has a double-strike error with the second strike 95% off-center, making it the only known U.S. gold coin with such an error from 1795 to 1933.
2. How was the coin authenticated?
The Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) authenticated the coin and graded it AU Details due to some surface marks.
3. Why is the New Orleans Mint significant?
The New Orleans Mint was known for producing rare U.S. coins, including the 1855-O Type 2 Gold Dollar. Its limited production and history make it significant.
4. Are there other double-struck U.S. gold coins?
Yes, there are other double- or triple-struck U.S. gold coins, such as the 1804 $2 ½ Draped Bust and the 1865 $1 Indian Gold Proof, but none are as unique as the 1855-O Type 2 Gold Dollar.
5. How much is the 1855-O Type 2 Gold Dollar worth?
Due to its extreme rarity and unique minting error, many collectors consider the coin to be priceless.
