1861 Large Head Indian Princess Gold Dollar

1861 Indian Princess Large Head gold dollars are quite popular with coin collectors, especially since the date represents the first year of the United States Civil War. In fact, Dahlonega (D) mint 1861 gold dollar coins were minted under the authority of the Confederate States of America, after the Georgia Mint was seized by Rebel soldiers earlier that year.

Here is a look at the various 1861 Indian Princess Large Head gold dollars, including mintages and values:

• 1861, 527,150; $352

• 1861-D, 1,250; $32,500

• 1861 proof, 349; $8,000

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

While 1,250 1861-D Indian Princess Large Head gold dollars were reportedly struck, the vast majority of these coins were melted, meaning they are quite rare today. Across the board, gold dollar coins are highly collectible and have a strong numismatic market. Because these coins are worth much more than their intrinsic gold value, they don’t make the most affordable purchases for bullion investors. In fact, these coins contain a relatively small 0.04837 ounces of gold, but usually cost at least $100 more than their spot bullion value.

1861 gold dollar coins, the historic coins that they are, were designed by James B. Longacre, who served as the United States Mint Chief Engraver from 1844 through 1869. Longacre designed a plethora of coins during the middle 19th century. These include the Flying Eagle cent (1856-1858), Indian Head cent (1859-1909), and two-cent piece (1864-1873), the various three-cent coins (1851-1889), and Shield nickel (1866-1883).