1884 Large Head Indian Princess Gold Dollar

1884 Indian Princess Large Head gold dollars are collected by many hobbyists, predominately by those who favor pre-1933 U.S. gold coins. While a few numismatists collect gold dollars by date, this denomination is generally considered a type coin, with the Indian Princess Large Head design representing a Type III dollar; two earlier gold dollar designs were also made. Gold dollar coins from the 1880s are scarce, though most that survive are found in uncirculated condition, which is attributed to the fact that these pieces were hoarded in large quantities at the time.

1884 gold dollars were struck at the Philadelphia mint, with about five-sixths of the production comprised of business strikes and the balance being made as proof coins to help meet demand by those who gave these gold coins as gifts. Below is a glance at the mintages and values of these classic gold coins:

• 1884, 5,230 minted; $486

• 1884 proof, 1,006; $5,000

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

1884 gold dollars measure 15 millimeters in diameter, weigh 1.672 grams, and contain 0.04837 ounces of gold. Though Type III gold dollars are larger than the Type I pieces, these are still among the smallest coins the United States Mint ever officially produced. They are also more affordable than larger gold coins, though actually more expensive gram for gram than larger gold coins. This is because gold dollar coins from the 1870s and 1880s are relatively much scarcer than many other, larger gold coins. Thus, these small gold coins have a much higher numismatic premium than many other, larger gold coins. This means they aren’t necessarily the best buys for bullion investors who want to buy “cheap” gold.

1884 gold dollars were designed by United States Mint Chief Engraver James B. Longacre. He served in that role from 1844 through 1869 and designed many popular U.S. coins during that time. These include 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).