Gold Dollar

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Why Buy from LCR?

At LCR Coin, we specialize in certified rare coins, modern collectibles, Pre-1933 gold, and precious metals backed by over 35 years of industry experience. Whether you are building a collection, investing in gold and silver, or searching for sought-after modern releases, we focus on offering quality products backed by respected grading services and professional customer support.

We specialize in certified coins from leading grading companies including NGC, PCGS, and CAC, along with premium U.S. Mint releases, low-mintage issues, and advanced designation coins. Every order is handled with care, secure packaging, and a commitment to transparency from purchase to delivery.

  • Certified coins from industry-leading grading services
  • Family-owned with over 35 years of industry experience
  • Competitive pricing with no hidden fees
  • Secure insured shipping and professional packaging
  • Collector focused customer service and support
  • Carefully curated inventory of rare and modern coin

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is shipping free?

Yes.

  • Orders $349 and over ship FREE with full insurance within the United States.
  • Orders under $349 are charged a minimum $16.95 insured shipping fee.
How do pre-orders work at LCR Coin?

Pre-order pricing is locked in and charged in full at the time of purchase. As precious metals prices and U.S. Mint issue prices change, future inventory is often higher. Your pre-order secures both your price and your allocation.

You may cancel your pre-order at any time prior to fulfillment for a full refund. However, if you choose to place a new order later, it will be subject to current market pricing and availability.

Estimated delivery dates are provided on each product page and are subject to change based on U.S. Mint, grading service, or supplier release schedules.

Are your coins certified by PCGS, NGC, and CAC?

Yes. LCR Coin proudly offers a wide selection of coins certified and graded by the industry’s leading third-party grading companies, including PCGS, NGC, and CAC.

Why buy from LCR Coin?

LCR Coin has been a trusted rare coin and precious metals dealer for over 30 years, offering certified rare coins, modern releases, and gold & silver bullion from the industry’s leading grading services.

As an Authorized Dealer for PCGS, NGC, and CAC, we are committed to providing collectors and investors with high-quality certified coins, competitive pricing, secure shipping, and exceptional customer service.

Estimated delivery dates are provided on the product page and are subject to change based on U.S. Mint or supplier release schedules. 

More About This Collection

U.S. Gold Dollars (1849–1889)

Explore certified U.S. Gold Dollars, struck from 1849 through 1889 and featuring three distinct designs by U.S. Mint Chief Engraver James B. Longacre. Introduced during the California Gold Rush, these small but historically significant coins are an important part of Pre-1933 American gold coinage.

Collectors seek Gold Dollars by design type, date, mintmark, and certified condition. The series includes the original Liberty Head design and two Indian Princess varieties, with coins authenticated and graded by PCGS, NGC, and CACG, as well as CAC-approved examples.

History of the U.S. Gold Dollar

The Gold Dollar was authorized in 1849 as the California Gold Rush brought increasing quantities of gold into the American monetary system. At just 13 millimeters in diameter, the original Gold Dollar was the smallest regular-issue U.S. coin by diameter.

Although its compact size made the coin difficult to handle, the Gold Dollar circulated during the nineteenth century and was produced at five U.S. Mint facilities: Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dahlonega, New Orleans, and San Francisco.

The series underwent two major redesigns before production ended in 1889, creating three collectible types that remain popular with collectors of classic American gold.

Three Types of U.S. Gold Dollars

Type I – Liberty Head Gold Dollar (1849–1854)

The Type I Liberty Head Gold Dollar features a left-facing portrait of Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed with "LIBERTY." Thirteen stars surround the portrait, while the reverse displays the denomination and date within a wreath.

Measuring approximately 13 millimeters in diameter, the Type I was the smallest of the three Gold Dollar designs.

Collectors pursue Type I Gold Dollars by date, mintmark, and variety, including the 1849 Open Wreath and Closed Wreath issues and scarce examples from the Charlotte and Dahlonega Mints.

Type II – Indian Princess Small Head Gold Dollar (1854–1856)

Introduced in 1854, the Type II Indian Princess Gold Dollar featured an enlarged diameter and a new portrait of Liberty wearing a feathered headdress.

The reverse incorporated a more elaborate agricultural wreath surrounding the denomination and date.

The design proved difficult to strike consistently, often resulting in weakness in the central details. Produced for only a short period, Type II Gold Dollars are generally the scarcest of the three major design types.

Type III – Indian Princess Large Head Gold Dollar (1856–1889)

The Type III Indian Princess Gold Dollar was introduced in 1856 to address the striking difficulties associated with the previous design.

Longacre enlarged and flattened Liberty's portrait, improving the Mint's ability to produce coins with more complete design details.

The Type III remained in production through 1889 and includes a wide range of collectible dates, mintmarks, and certified grades. Certain Philadelphia issues are relatively accessible in Mint State, while scarce branch-mint coins and low-mintage dates present greater challenges.

Rare Dates and Collectible Gold Dollar Issues

Several U.S. Gold Dollar issues are particularly significant to collectors.

The 1855-D Type II Gold Dollar is a notable Dahlonega rarity, while the 1861-D Type III Gold Dollar holds special historical importance because of its connection to the Civil War and the closing of the Dahlonega Mint.

Other important issues include the 1854-D Type I, 1870-S Type III, and the low-mintage 1875 Gold Dollar.

These coins illustrate the variety of collecting opportunities within the series, from individual design types to specialized date-and-mintmark collections.

Collecting Certified U.S. Gold Dollars

When evaluating PCGS, NGC and CAC certified Gold Dollars, collectors often consider:

  • Design Type: Liberty Head Type I, Indian Princess Type II, and Indian Princess Type III represent three distinct designs.

  • Date and Mintmark: Charlotte and Dahlonega issues are particularly important to collectors of Southern branch-mint gold.

  • Certified Grade: About Uncirculated (AU) and Mint State (MS) coins offer different levels of preservation and availability.

  • Strike Quality: Type II Gold Dollars are especially known for incomplete central design details.

  • Originality and Eye Appeal: Natural surfaces, remaining luster, attractive color, and overall preservation are important considerations.

Whether assembling a three-piece Gold Dollar type set or pursuing rare individual dates, collectors can explore one of the most distinctive denominations in nineteenth-century American gold coinage.

U.S. Gold Dollar Specifications

  • Years of Issue: 1849–1889

  • Designer: James B. Longacre

  • Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper

  • Weight: 1.672 grams

  • Gold Content: 0.04837 troy ounces

  • Diameter: Approximately 13 mm (Type I); 15 mm (Types II and III)

  • Edge: Reeded

  • Mints: Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dahlonega, New Orleans, and San Francisco