1872 Large Head Indian Princess Gold Dollar

1872 Indian Princess Large Head gold dollars have a sizable base of coin collectors, mostly consisting of those who enjoy pre-1933 U.S. gold coins. 1872 gold dollar coins are quite scarce, as only a few thousand were minted and many have since been melted. This is the case for most 1870s gold dollar coins, which were made in small batches and later were destroyed when the nation left the gold standard in 1933. Gold coins such as the dollar circulated widely in the 1840s, 1850s, and early 1860s, during the height of California’s Gold Rush. Many gold dollar coins saw widespread circulation, though some were saved in better grades, as these coins were popular holiday gifts.

1872 gold dollar coins were struck only at the Philadelphia mint, but they were made as business-strike coins and also proof specimens, giving coin collectors a couple options. Here is a rundown on the mintages and values of these coins:

• 1872, 3,500 minted; $542

• 1872 proof, 30; $10,000

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

1872 gold dollar coins are small; they measure 15 millimeters in diameter, weigh only 1.672 grams, and contain a tiny 0.04837 ounces of gold. While gold dollar are among the least expensive pre-1933 gold coins on the market as far as absolute cost, they are more expensive than others in terms of relative premium over spot. In fact, many gold dollar coins cost $100 or more over the intrinsic value of the gold within, which is a steep price for a small gold coin.

1872 gold dollar coins were designed by James B. Longacre. He was the United States Mint Chief Engraver during the years 1844 through 1869. Longacre designed many important U.S. coins during his tenure, including the Flying Eagle cent (produced from 1856-1858), Indian Head cent (1859-1909), two-cent piece (1864-1873), various silver and nickel three-cent coins (1851-1889), and the Shield nickel (1866-1883).