Only four examples of this coin definitely exist

‘Near-mythic’ 1849-C gold dollar to sell at Heritage

Very few American coins are major rarities - but the 1849-C Open Wreath is among them

One of the very rarest American coins is currently auctioning online at Heritage Auction Galleries.

There are thought to be just four confirmed examples of the 1849-C Open Wreath gold dollar (although a fifth piece is rumoured).

Heritage's sale will present the XF45 NGC piece - regarded as the third finest of the four known coins.

The 1849-C Open Wreath: will it finally sell for seven figures?

Among numismatists, the 1849-C Open Wreath gold dollar has few peers among regular issue US coins.

Equivalent examples can include the 1797 Heraldic Eagle half eagles with 16 stars and 15 stars on their obverse, each unique to the Smithsonian Institution.

Or the 1854-S half eagle, of which just three are known.

However, in terms of value, the 1849-C Open Wreath has had difficulty keeping up with other major rarities.

The current auction record for the coin is $690,000 - but this was at a time when seven other similarly rare coins broke the seven-figures barrier.

At the time of writing, 16 days are left for placing online bids on this singular and exceptional coin. For more information, see the Heritage Auction Galleries website.

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Image: Heritage