$1 Gold (Type 2) Indian Princess

The $1 Indian Princess Gold Coin represents the later design phases of America’s smallest gold denomination and is revered for its elegant, symbolic artwork and historical significance. Struck from 1854 to 1889, this coin replaced the earlier Liberty Head design with a more intricate and visually distinctive portrait. Designed by James B. Longacre, the Indian Princess Type is divided into two subtypes—Type 2 (1854–1856) and Type 3 (1856–1889)—both featuring Liberty in a Native American-inspired headdress. As the smallest U.S. gold coin by weight and size, it circulated widely during the mid-19th century and remains a prized collectible today.

Key Features:

• Purity: Composed of 90% gold (21.6 karats) and 10% copper, each $1 Indian Princess Gold Coin contains 0.0484 troy ounces of pure gold. The small size and thin planchet make these coins delicate and susceptible to wear, especially in circulated condition.

• Design: The obverse features a stylized portrait of Liberty wearing a feathered headdress, commonly referred to as the “Indian Princess” design. While not an actual depiction of a Native American figure, it reflects a classical interpretation of Liberty through indigenous symbolism. The reverse displays a wreath encircling the denomination “1 DOLLAR” and the year of issue. The Type 2 version has a smaller, taller Liberty head with a narrower wreath, while the Type 3 revision in 1856 introduced a more proportional design with improved strike quality and durability.

• Denomination: With a face value of $1, the Indian Princess Gold Dollar was used for everyday transactions in an era when gold held much higher purchasing power. However, its tiny size made it easy to misplace, which limited its popularity in circulation over time.

• Legal Tender: Issued by the United States Mint and recognized as legal tender, the $1 Indian Princess Gold Coin circulated during a pivotal era in U.S. history—from westward expansion to post-Civil War reconstruction. While no longer used in commerce, it remains a fully authorized U.S. coin and an enduring part of the nation’s numismatic heritage.

• Collectability: The Indian Princess Gold Dollar is highly collectible for its artistry, limited mintage, and historical context. Type 2 coins, produced for only three years, are particularly scarce and often poorly struck—making high-grade examples extremely valuable. Type 3 coins were struck for a longer period but still offer many challenging and low-mintage dates, including pieces from branch mints like Charlotte (C), Dahlonega (D), and San Francisco (S). Because of its small size and intricate design, this coin is both a technical and aesthetic treasure for classic gold collectors.

Graceful and historically rich, the $1 Indian Princess Gold Coin offers a window into 19th-century America and stands as a unique and elegant piece in the legacy of U.S. gold coinage.