Gold Dollar (Type 1 Liberty Head) Value
1849–1854 · $1 · 90% gold, 10% copper
Value by Grade
| Grade | Est. Value |
|---|---|
| Poor (P-1) | $200.00 |
| Good (G-4) | $250.00 |
| Fine (F-12) | $300.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $600.00 |
| Gem (MS-65) | $1,800 |
| Perfect (MS-70) | $9,000 |
Key Dates & Rare Varieties
| Date/Variety | Why It's Special | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1849-C Open Wreath | First Charlotte Mint gold dollar | $300–$3,000 |
| 1849-D | Dahlonega Mint — scarce southern gold | $400–$5,000 |
| 1853-D | Low Dahlonega mintage | $500–$4,000 |
| 1851-O | New Orleans Mint issue | $250–$1,500 |
| 1854 Type 1 | Final year of the small-diameter type | $250–$800 |
Coin Specifications
- Designer
- James B. Longacre
- Years
- 1849–1854
- Denomination
- $1
- Composition
- 90% gold, 10% copper
- Diameter
- 13 mm
- Weight
- 1.672 g
Quick Value
Where to Buy/Sell
Gold Dollar (Type 1 Liberty Head): History & Background
The Type 1 Gold Dollar was the smallest denomination gold coin ever produced by the United States Mint, measuring just 13mm in diameter. Authorized by the Act of March 3, 1849, following the California Gold Rush which dramatically increased the nation's gold supply, the coin was designed by Chief Engraver James B. Longacre. The obverse features a left-facing Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed LIBERTY, surrounded by 13 stars. The tiny size made the coin impractical and easy to lose, leading to an enlarged Type 2 design in 1854. Despite their small size, these coins contain 0.04837 troy ounces of pure gold.
How to Grade a Gold Dollar (Type 1 Liberty Head)
Accurate grading is the single most important factor in determining a coin's value. A difference of just a few grade points can mean 10× or more in value. Examine the highest points of the design first — these are where wear appears earliest. For the finest grades, luster, strike quality, and surface preservation all matter. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC adds certainty and typically increases resale value. Read our complete grading guide →
What Affects Gold Dollar (Type 1 Liberty Head) Value?
Condition & Grade
The grade spread for Gold Dollar (Type 1 Liberty Head)s is dramatic: a common-date example jumps from $200.00 in Poor to $600.00 in Uncirculated — a 3× increase. Gem-quality MS-65 specimens can reach $1,800 or more. Even a single grade point difference at the upper end can double a coin's price.
Date & Mintmark
The Gold Dollar (Type 1 Liberty Head) series has 5 notable key dates. The 1849-C Open Wreath is valued at $300–$3,000, far above common dates. Mintmark location and variety (such as overdates or repunched marks) can multiply a coin's value significantly.
Precious Metal Content
With a composition of 90% gold, 10% copper and a weight of 1.672g, the Gold Dollar (Type 1 Liberty Head) carries intrinsic metal value that sets a price floor. When gold prices rise, even heavily worn examples appreciate. The melt value provides downside protection that base-metal coins lack.
Strike Quality & Eye Appeal
Designed by James B. Longacre, the Gold Dollar (Type 1 Liberty Head) (13mm diameter) can exhibit varying strike quality across different mint facilities and years. Coins with full, sharp design details, original luster, and attractive toning trade at premiums of 20–50% above the same technical grade with average eye appeal.
Collector Notes: Gold Dollar (Type 1 Liberty Head)
The Gold Dollar (Type 1 Liberty Head) (1849–1854) holds a distinctive place in US numismatics. Designed by James B. Longacre, this $1 coin was struck in 90% gold, 10% copper with a diameter of 13mm and weight of 1.672 grams. These physical specifications are essential for authentication — any deviation from these measurements is a red flag for counterfeits.
Collectors approaching the Gold Dollar (Type 1 Liberty Head) series should start by assembling a date-and-mintmark set in a consistent grade. Fine (F-12) offers a good balance of affordability and visual appeal for most dates, with clear design elements still visible. Budget roughly $300.00 per common date in Fine condition, then set aside a larger budget for the 5 key dates in the series.
For registry set collectors pursuing top grades, the Gold Dollar (Type 1 Liberty Head) in MS-65 or better represents a more significant investment at $1,800+ per coin. Population reports from PCGS and NGC show that the supply of certified high-grade examples is limited, and competition among registry set collectors has driven premiums for condition-census coins.
Before purchasing any Gold Dollar (Type 1 Liberty Head) valued above $100, we recommend reviewing our 2026 US Coin Values Quick Reference PDF ($2.99) which includes a complete grade-by-grade price breakdown and key date identification guide for this series.
Gold Dollar (Type 1 Liberty Head): Frequently Asked Questions
▶How much is a Gold Dollar (Type 1 Liberty Head) worth today?
A Gold Dollar (Type 1 Liberty Head) (1849–1854) is worth between $200.00 in Poor condition and $600.00 or more in Uncirculated condition. In the most commonly found Fine grade, expect around $300.00. Gem specimens graded MS-65 can reach $1,800 or higher. Values fluctuate with collector demand and the spot price of gold.
▶What is the most valuable Gold Dollar (Type 1 Liberty Head)?
The most valuable Gold Dollar (Type 1 Liberty Head) is the 1849-C Open Wreath — first charlotte mint gold dollar. This date is valued at $300–$3,000 depending on grade and condition. Always have potentially valuable dates authenticated by PCGS or NGC before selling.
▶How do I grade a Gold Dollar (Type 1 Liberty Head)?
Grading a Gold Dollar (Type 1 Liberty Head) starts with examining the highest points of the design, where wear appears first. Look for remaining luster, sharpness of details, and surface marks. The Sheldon scale runs from 1 (Poor) to 70 (Perfect). For this series, the jump from Fine (F-12, worth ~$300.00) to Uncirculated (MS-63, worth ~$600.00) is significant. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC costs $20–$50 per coin and is recommended for coins that appear to be worth $100 or more. Our PDF guide ($2.99) includes a visual grading chart for this series.
▶Where is the best place to sell Gold Dollar (Type 1 Liberty Head)s?
For common-date Gold Dollar (Type 1 Liberty Head)s in circulated grades, local coin shops and eBay are practical options — expect 70–85% of retail value. For key dates or high-grade examples, Heritage Auctions or Stack's Bowers will reach the most serious buyers and typically achieve the strongest prices. PCGS or NGC certification is essential before consigning valuable coins to auction. For a detailed selling strategy, see our selling guide.
▶Are there error varieties of the Gold Dollar (Type 1 Liberty Head)?
Yes. Known Gold Dollar (Type 1 Liberty Head) errors include doubled die obverses and reverses, repunched mintmarks, off-center strikes, and die cracks. Some error varieties can be worth multiples of normal strikes. Always examine coins under magnification to check for die doubling, especially on lettering and dates.
▶How can I tell if my Gold Dollar (Type 1 Liberty Head) is real?
Authentic Gold Dollar (Type 1 Liberty Head)s weigh 1.672 grams and measure 13 mm in diameter. Check the weight with a precision scale (digital scales accurate to 0.01g are available for under $20). The coin should be composed of 90% gold, 10% copper. Counterfeit coins often fail the weight test, show seams on the edge, or have mushy design details. For valuable dates, always obtain PCGS or NGC authentication — the cost is minimal compared to the risk of buying or selling a counterfeit.
▶What affects the value of a Gold Dollar (Type 1 Liberty Head) the most?
The four biggest value drivers for Gold Dollar (Type 1 Liberty Head)s are: (1) Grade — the difference between Good and Uncirculated is $350.00 for common dates; (2) Date and mintmark — key dates like 1849-C Open Wreath command large premiums; (3) Gold spot price — sets a floor value for circulated examples; (4) Eye appeal — original surfaces, attractive toning, and strong strikes increase desirability among collectors.
▶How many Gold Dollar (Type 1 Liberty Head)s were made?
The Gold Dollar (Type 1 Liberty Head) was produced from 1849–1854. Mintage varied widely by year and mint — some dates had millions struck while key dates had far fewer. The scarce 1849-C Open Wreath is especially sought after. Check our full value table above for key dates and their relative scarcity.
▶Should I clean my Gold Dollar (Type 1 Liberty Head)?
Never clean a Gold Dollar (Type 1 Liberty Head) or any collectible coin. Cleaning removes the original surface and patina, which collectors prize — a cleaned coin can lose 50% or more of its value compared to an original, naturally toned example. Even coins that look "dirty" often have desirable original toning. If you must remove loose debris, hold the coin by its edges and gently rinse with distilled water. Our coin storage guide has more preservation tips.
▶Is the Gold Dollar (Type 1 Liberty Head) a good investment?
Gold Dollar (Type 1 Liberty Head)s in key dates and high grades have historically appreciated well. Common dates in circulated grades are affordable entry points and carry intrinsic gold value as a floor. For investment purposes, focus on PCGS/NGC-certified examples in grades of Fine or better, and prioritize key dates with low mintages. Our PDF Quick Reference Guide ($2.99) covers all Gold Dollar (Type 1 Liberty Head) dates and values to help identify the best opportunities.