$1 Gold (Type 1) Liberty Type

The $1 Liberty Head Gold Coin is the smallest denomination and physically the smallest gold coin ever issued by the United States Mint. First introduced in 1849 during the California Gold Rush, it was struck through 1854 with the Liberty Head design created by Chief Engraver James B. Longacre. This coin was part of a broader effort to bring accessible gold currency into circulation for everyday use. Though modest in size and weight, the Liberty Head Gold Dollar played a notable role in 19th-century American commerce and remains an important collectible today for its rarity, historical context, and delicate beauty.

Key Features:

• Purity: Composed of 90% gold (21.6 karats) and 10% copper, each $1 Liberty Head Gold Coin contains 0.0484 troy ounces of pure gold. The copper alloy adds strength to help preserve the coin’s design in spite of its small size and thin profile.

• Design: The obverse features a classical left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed with the word “LIBERTY,” surrounded by 13 stars and the coin’s date beneath. The reverse displays a simple yet elegant wreath encircling the denomination “1 DOLLAR” and year of issue. The design reflects the neoclassical sensibilities of the era and was later modified in subsequent Type 2 and Type 3 versions.

• Denomination: With a face value of $1, this gold coin was intended for use in everyday transactions during a time when gold had a higher purchasing power. Despite its practical purpose, its tiny size and ease of loss made it less than ideal for circulation, contributing to its eventual replacement.

• Legal Tender: Issued as legal tender by the United States Mint, the Liberty Head Gold Dollar was widely accepted in commerce during its short time in production. Though no longer used in transactions, it remains an official U.S. coin and a significant part of American monetary history.

• Collectability: The $1 Liberty Head Gold Coin is highly collectible due to its brief production span, small size, and early association with the California Gold Rush era. Examples struck at branch mints—particularly Dahlonega (D), Charlotte (C), and New Orleans (O)—are especially prized. High-grade coins are difficult to find due to the coin’s susceptibility to wear and mishandling over time. Whether collected by type or date, the Liberty Head Gold Dollar offers a unique and historically rich addition to any classic gold collection.

Diminutive yet distinguished, the $1 Liberty Head Gold Coin captures a moment in American history when gold flowed freely and the nation expanded rapidly westward. It remains a charming and historically significant piece of U.S. numismatics.