1889 gold dollar
the final year type coin with two distinct die varieties
Articulated in John Dannreuther’s book United State Proof Coins, Vol IV, Part One, the mint produced two varieties for both proof and circulation strikes. While PCGS is not currently designating varieties for circulation strikes, mountain top rarities categorizes the varieties according to Dannreuther’s identification
JD-1 Centered Date [PCGS MS 65] : The date is centered between the word dollar and the top knots of the bow. A die crack arcs around the left periphery of the wreath from about 7 to 10 o’clock, and between the lowest parts of the bow around 6 o’clock. Some consider this variety a double die reverse [DDR] as seen at the knot and tips of the bow , however Dannreuther believes this is ‘Longacre doubling’ - a strongly punched device into the master die.
JD-2 Low Date [PCGS MS 65, not a mountain top coin] : The date is low and nearer the top bow of the wreath. A die crack is seen arcing at the top periphery of the wreath. This particular example illustrates a later die state, with obverse die cracking and die clashing on both the obverse and reverse. This variety is less common than JD-1.