1885 Large Head Indian Princess Gold Dollar

1885 Indian Princess Large Head gold dollars are collected by those who generally appreciate the history and numismatic allure of pre-1933 U.S. gold coins. While a few hobbyists of substantial financial means collect gold dollars by date by date, the denomination is widely considered a type coin; in the case of the Indian Princess Large Head dollar, it represent the third design type of the gold dollar series and is therefore categorized as a “Type III” dollar. Gold dollar coins from the 1880s are scarce, though many survive in uncirculated condition, due to the fact that these coins were hoarded by coin collectors and jewelers back when these coins were still new.

1885 gold dollar coins were made at the Philadelphia mint as business strikes and proofs. Below is a glance at the mintages and values of these classic gold coins:

• 1885, 11,156 minted; $486

• 1885 proof, 1,105; $5,000

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

1885 gold dollars measure 15 millimeters in diameter, weigh 1.672 grams, and contain 0.04837 ounces of gold. These small gold coins are rather affordable as compared to larger gold coins, though these pieces also carry relatively high numismatic premiums, meaning they cost significantly more than their intrinsic spot value alone.

1885 gold dollar coins were designed by United States Mint Chief Engraver James B. Longacre. He served in that role from 1844 through 1869, during which he designed many popular U.S. coins. These include the Flying Eagle cent (struck during 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).