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 →
What Affects Gold Dollar (Type 3 Indian Princess) Value?
Condition & Grade
The grade spread for Gold Dollar (Type 3 Indian Princess)s is dramatic: a common-date example jumps from $200.00 in Poor to $700.00 in Uncirculated — a 4× increase. Gem-quality MS-65 specimens can reach $2,100 or more. Even a single grade point difference at the upper end can double a coin's price.
Date & Mintmark
The Gold Dollar (Type 3 Indian Princess) series has 5 notable key dates. The 1861-D is valued at $5,000–$50,000, 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 3 Indian Princess) 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 3 Indian Princess) (15mm 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 3 Indian Princess)
The Gold Dollar (Type 3 Indian Princess) (1856–1889) 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 15mm 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 3 Indian Princess) 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 $350.00 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 3 Indian Princess) in MS-65 or better represents a more significant investment at $2,100+ 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 3 Indian Princess) 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 3 Indian Princess): Frequently Asked Questions
▶How much is a Gold Dollar (Type 3 Indian Princess) worth today?
A Gold Dollar (Type 3 Indian Princess) (1856–1889) is worth between $200.00 in Poor condition and $700.00 or more in Uncirculated condition. In the most commonly found Fine grade, expect around $350.00. Gem specimens graded MS-65 can reach $2,100 or higher. Values fluctuate with collector demand and the spot price of gold.
▶What is the most valuable Gold Dollar (Type 3 Indian Princess)?
The most valuable Gold Dollar (Type 3 Indian Princess) is the 1861-D — dahlonega mint — struck under confederate authority. This date is valued at $5,000–$50,000 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 3 Indian Princess)?
Grading a Gold Dollar (Type 3 Indian Princess) 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 ~$350.00) to Uncirculated (MS-63, worth ~$700.00) 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 3 Indian Princess)s?
For common-date Gold Dollar (Type 3 Indian Princess)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 3 Indian Princess)?
Yes. Known Gold Dollar (Type 3 Indian Princess) 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 3 Indian Princess) is real?
Authentic Gold Dollar (Type 3 Indian Princess)s weigh 1.672 grams and measure 15 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 3 Indian Princess) the most?
The four biggest value drivers for Gold Dollar (Type 3 Indian Princess)s are: (1) Grade — the difference between Good and Uncirculated is $450.00 for common dates; (2) Date and mintmark — key dates like 1861-D 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 3 Indian Princess)s were made?
The Gold Dollar (Type 3 Indian Princess) was produced from 1856–1889. Mintage varied widely by year and mint — some dates had millions struck while key dates had far fewer. The scarce 1861-D is especially sought after. Check our full value table above for key dates and their relative scarcity.
▶Should I clean my Gold Dollar (Type 3 Indian Princess)?
Never clean a Gold Dollar (Type 3 Indian Princess) 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 3 Indian Princess) a good investment?
Gold Dollar (Type 3 Indian Princess)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 3 Indian Princess) dates and values to help identify the best opportunities.