1860 Large Head Indian Princess Gold Dollar

1860 Indian Princess Large Head gold dollars are popular among coin hobbyists who enjoy collecting pre-1933 U.S. gold coins. These gold dollar coins circulated mainly in the West, which is where gold was abundant during the heyday of the Gold Rush in the 1840s and 1850s. The gold dollar coins was used extensively in commerce, though they also were favored as holiday gifts, and for that many reason, many of these coins were spared years of hard use in circulation and thus are often available in the better grades.

Here is a rundown of the various gold dollar coins that were struck at the Philadelphia, Dahlonega (D), and San Francisco mints; it should also be noted that a very limited number of proof gold dollar coins was also minted in Philadelphia:

• 1860, 36,514 minted; $403

• 1860-D, 1,566; $6,500

• 1860-S, 13,000; $734

• 1860 proof, 154; $8,000

*Values are for coins grading Extremely Fine-40, unless otherwise noted.

As these coins are small (15-millimeter diameter), relatively low-value gold coins, many of these pieces were melted, turned into jewelry, or otherwise rendered unrecognizable in numismatic terms. Thus, far fewer survive today than the mintage figures above would probably suggest.

Gold dollar coins are probably a better numismatic investment than they are a bullion investment. In fact, they weigh just 1.672 grams and contain only 0.04837 ounces of gold. That, combined with the fact these coins have tremendous collector value, means the premiums on these gold coins is far higher than the intrinsic gold worth. Indeed, collectors value these 1860 gold dollar coins, as they are not only scarce, but also represent numismatic history. Another interesting footnote is that these coins were designed by United States Mint Chief Engraver James B. Longacre, who also created the Flying Eagle cent, Indian Head cent, and two-cent piece.