Gold Dollar (Type 3 Indian Princess) Value
1856–1889 · $1 · 90% gold, 10% copper
Value by Grade
| Grade | Est. Value |
|---|---|
| Poor (P-1) | $200.00 |
| Good (G-4) | $250.00 |
| Fine (F-12) | $350.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $700.00 |
| Gem (MS-65) | $2,100 |
| Perfect (MS-70) | $10,500 |
Key Dates & Rare Varieties
| Date/Variety | Why It's Special | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1861-D | Dahlonega Mint — struck under Confederate authority | $5,000–$50,000 |
| 1875 | Extremely low mintage of only 400 business strikes | $2,000–$15,000 |
| 1856-D | Last Dahlonega Mint gold dollar before Civil War | $3,000–$20,000 |
| 1860-D | Scarce Dahlonega issue | $3,000–$25,000 |
| 1889 | Final year of the gold dollar denomination | $250–$1,000 |
Coin Specifications
- Designer
- James B. Longacre
- Years
- 1856–1889
- Denomination
- $1
- Composition
- 90% gold, 10% copper
- Diameter
- 15 mm
- Weight
- 1.672 g
Quick Value
Where to Buy/Sell
Gold Dollar (Type 3 Indian Princess): History & Background
The Type 3 Gold Dollar was the final and longest-running variety of the US gold dollar series, struck from 1856 to 1889. It features a large Indian Princess head wearing a feathered headdress on the obverse, an improvement over the problematic Type 2 design that suffered from striking issues. The reverse displays a simple wreath surrounding the denomination. By the 1880s, mintages dropped dramatically as the coin became increasingly impractical in everyday commerce, with most late-date examples produced primarily for collectors. The gold dollar was finally discontinued in 1889 as part of broader changes to US coinage.
How to Grade a Gold Dollar (Type 3 Indian Princess)
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 →