1849 gold dollar
a first year type coin with five distinct die varieties
The alphanumeric designations of this completable mini-set were identified by John Dannreuther, who graciously shared time with the author discussing and conveying information. Additional information is available in Q David Bower’s A Guide Book of Gold Dollars.
D-1 Normal Stars, No L [PCGS MS 65] : The chief engraver and designer's initial L [for Longacre] missing in the truncation of Liberty's bust. Nearly all stars are well defined with prevalent radial lines - stars 9, 12 and 13 are noticeably repunched, with prior impressions of star points seen adjacent or between the device.
D-2 Normal Stars, With L [PCGS MS 64} : The chief engraver and designer's initial L [for Longacre] added to the truncation of Liberty's bust. Stars deeply sank into the die and weakly defined - stars 11 and 12 most evidently repunched, with stars 3 through 7 also showing previously placed stars.
D-3 Distant Stars [PCGS MS 64+ / CAC] : All stars are noticeably more distant from Liberty’s portrait than coins previously minted. Nearly all stars are well defined, and there is no visual evidence of repunching. As with the prior designs, the tip of Liberty’s coronet points toward star 5.
D-4 Close Stars, Open Wreath [PCGS MS 64, not the author's coin] : Nearly all stars are nearer Liberty’s portrait than previous varieties. Additionally, the tip of Liberty’s coronet shifts to point more toward star 6, positioned clockwise from prior varieties. The collector’s immediate thought - inspect the reverse wreath design.
D-5, Close Stars, Close Wreath [PCGS MS 64 / CAC]: Obverse same as before with well defined stars and Liberty’s coronet pointing toward star 6. Reverse shows the wreath tips positioned with the leaves nearer [close] to the 1 of the denomination due to the extra bundle of leaves.