An extremely rare piece of proof gold from the 1860s, one of just 25 pieces originally produced. These were acquired by the modest number of collectors wealthy enough to fritter away what was for some a week's wages on a piece of gold that they had no intention of spending. A reasonable guess of the number of survivors from this year is between 11 and 13 pieces. Diagnostic of 1869 proofs: the date is positioned low and to the left, unlike the preceding year.