Produced in staggering numbers for the era, the 1853 (4 million pieces struck) is the most plentiful Gold Dollar from the standpoint of total number of coins extant. An argument can also be made for labeling this issue as the most common in the entire Gold Dollar series of 1849-1889. One should have little trouble locating examples in grades up to and including MS65, although coins at the Gem level are scarce when compared to the number of high grade collectors in today's hobby. The true rarity of this issue, however, does not emerge until one crosses the Superb Gem threshold.