1861 Proof

The 1861 proof gold dollar was struck at Philadelphia during the first year of the Civil War. Proof production continued at the Mint despite the national crisis. Fort Sumter fell in April, and the country mobilized for war, but the small group of collectors who purchased proof sets maintained their orders. Estimated proof mintage is 175 to 250 coins, representing an increase in collector demand that coincided, paradoxically, with the beginning of gold coin hoarding that would pull the denomination from circulation.

The 1861 proof is more available than pre-war proof gold dollars, reflecting the higher mintage. Well-preserved examples with original surfaces and cameo contrast between fields and devices are the most desirable. The coin serves as a proof counterpart to the historically significant 1861 business strike and the rare 1861-D Confederate-authority coin.