Description
A Treasured Piece of American Gold Coinage
This listing offers a remarkable and historically significant piece of American numismatics. It is a United States One Dollar gold coin from the iconic Type 3 Indian Princess series, often referred to as the Large Head design. Minted between 1856 and 1889, this coin represents the final chapter of America's smallest circulating gold denomination. Struck in .900 fine gold, it possesses a rich, golden luster and embodies the artistry and ambition of nineteenth-century American coinage.
The obverse features a stylized, left-facing bust of Liberty wearing a feathered headdress, a design inspired by classical interpretations of Liberty through indigenous symbolism rather than an actual historical portrait. This adaptation reflected the nation's westward expansion and the spirit of Manifest Destiny. The reverse displays the denomination "1 DOLLAR" and the year of mintage within an agricultural wreath, a design that remained consistent throughout the series.
Historical Context: The Evolution of the Gold Dollar
The Indian Princess Gold Dollar was designed by James Barton Longacre, the fourth Chief Engraver of the United States Mint. It replaced the earlier Liberty Head design and was struck in three distinct types. The Type 3, introduced in 1856, was a direct response to the striking difficulties of its predecessor, the Type 2 from 1854 to 1856, which suffered from weak detail due to its high relief.
Longacre's redesigned Type 3 featured a lower relief and an enlarged, more proportional portrait of Liberty. This improvement resulted in coins that could be struck sharply and properly, with clear, readable lettering and well-defined details in the intricate feathered headdress, a hallmark of the design. This type was produced continuously until the denomination was discontinued in 1889, with production spanning multiple mints including Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dahlonega, New Orleans, and San Francisco.
Design and Specifications
The obverse features a stylized, left-facing bust of Liberty wearing a feathered headdress. The reverse displays the denomination "1 DOLLAR" and the year of mintage within an agricultural wreath. The coin was designed by James Barton Longacre.
Product Specifications
Denomination: 1 Dollar
Type: Type 3, Large Head
Designer: James Barton Longacre
Composition: .900 Fine Gold, 21.6 karats, 10 percent Copper
Weight: 1.67 grams, 25.77 grains
Diameter: 15 millimeters
Edge: Reeded
Actual Gold Weight: 0.0484 troy ounces
Year: Randomly selected from 1856 to 1889
Why This Coin Deserves a Place in Your Collection
This coin holds historic significance, as it is part of the final design type in the United States gold dollar series, minted during a pivotal era of westward expansion and post-Civil War reconstruction. It contains precious metal content, with .900 fine gold and a rich, enduring luster. It features an iconic design, with Longacre's classic Indian Princess portrait, a favorite among collectors for its intricate details and artistic merit. Most of all, it is part of a collectible series, highly sought after by numismatists due to its historical significance and the low mintages of many issues within the series.
This coin is more than currency. It is a treasured piece of American gold coinage, offering a classic example of the iconic Indian Princess design from the final chapter of the United States gold dollar series. For the discerning collector, it represents a truly significant and desirable acquisition.
The auction is live. Coins of this caliber do not appear often. Place your bid and secure this remarkable piece of history for your collection.
Dimensions:
Height 0.08, Width 0.63, Depth 0.63 inches
Weight 1.67 grams
Condition:
Very Good, with some light wear consistent with age and handling. Details are still sharp.
Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
This listing offers a remarkable and historically significant piece of American numismatics. It is a United States One Dollar gold coin from the iconic Type 3 Indian Princess series, often referred to as the Large Head design. Minted between 1856 and 1889, this coin represents the final chapter of America's smallest circulating gold denomination. Struck in .900 fine gold, it possesses a rich, golden luster and embodies the artistry and ambition of nineteenth-century American coinage.
The obverse features a stylized, left-facing bust of Liberty wearing a feathered headdress, a design inspired by classical interpretations of Liberty through indigenous symbolism rather than an actual historical portrait. This adaptation reflected the nation's westward expansion and the spirit of Manifest Destiny. The reverse displays the denomination "1 DOLLAR" and the year of mintage within an agricultural wreath, a design that remained consistent throughout the series.
Historical Context: The Evolution of the Gold Dollar
The Indian Princess Gold Dollar was designed by James Barton Longacre, the fourth Chief Engraver of the United States Mint. It replaced the earlier Liberty Head design and was struck in three distinct types. The Type 3, introduced in 1856, was a direct response to the striking difficulties of its predecessor, the Type 2 from 1854 to 1856, which suffered from weak detail due to its high relief.
Longacre's redesigned Type 3 featured a lower relief and an enlarged, more proportional portrait of Liberty. This improvement resulted in coins that could be struck sharply and properly, with clear, readable lettering and well-defined details in the intricate feathered headdress, a hallmark of the design. This type was produced continuously until the denomination was discontinued in 1889, with production spanning multiple mints including Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dahlonega, New Orleans, and San Francisco.
Design and Specifications
The obverse features a stylized, left-facing bust of Liberty wearing a feathered headdress. The reverse displays the denomination "1 DOLLAR" and the year of mintage within an agricultural wreath. The coin was designed by James Barton Longacre.
Product Specifications
Denomination: 1 Dollar
Type: Type 3, Large Head
Designer: James Barton Longacre
Composition: .900 Fine Gold, 21.6 karats, 10 percent Copper
Weight: 1.67 grams, 25.77 grains
Diameter: 15 millimeters
Edge: Reeded
Actual Gold Weight: 0.0484 troy ounces
Year: Randomly selected from 1856 to 1889
Why This Coin Deserves a Place in Your Collection
This coin holds historic significance, as it is part of the final design type in the United States gold dollar series, minted during a pivotal era of westward expansion and post-Civil War reconstruction. It contains precious metal content, with .900 fine gold and a rich, enduring luster. It features an iconic design, with Longacre's classic Indian Princess portrait, a favorite among collectors for its intricate details and artistic merit. Most of all, it is part of a collectible series, highly sought after by numismatists due to its historical significance and the low mintages of many issues within the series.
This coin is more than currency. It is a treasured piece of American gold coinage, offering a classic example of the iconic Indian Princess design from the final chapter of the United States gold dollar series. For the discerning collector, it represents a truly significant and desirable acquisition.
The auction is live. Coins of this caliber do not appear often. Place your bid and secure this remarkable piece of history for your collection.
Dimensions:
Height 0.08, Width 0.63, Depth 0.63 inches
Weight 1.67 grams
Condition:
Very Good, with some light wear consistent with age and handling. Details are still sharp.
Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
- Low Estimate: 450.00
- High Estimate: 4250.00
Buyer's Premium
25%
Type 3 Indian $1 - Random 1856-89
Estimate $450-$4,250
Starting Price
$100
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Meet the Auction House
10579
4.5
54836
The Imperial Vault: National Bank Rarities
Jul 21, 2026, 6:00 PM EDTIrvine, CA, United States
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