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The smallest denomination gold coin ever struck by the U.S. Mint, produced across three distinct designs: Type 1 Liberty Head (1849-1854), Type 2 Small Indian Head (1854-1856, discontinued quickly because the thin, high-relief design wore down and struck poorly), and Type 3 Large Indian Head (1856-1889). Several branch-mint dates, especially from the Dahlonega, Georgia mint, are extremely rare today.
Every date below is a recognised key date or variety. Common dates from the same series are worth far less and are usually valued closer to their metal content.
How many of each were struck — the shortest bar is the scarcest date in the series.
Bars are scaled to keep the smallest mintages visible; the exact figure is printed on every row. Mintage is coins struck, not coins surviving — melting and circulation wear thin those numbers further.
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About Gold Dollar values
The 1861-D tops this series: a top-grade example is estimated around $187,931. Condition drives that figure — the same date in worn condition is worth a fraction of it, which is why each guide shows a range rather than a single number.
By mintage, the 1861-D is the scarcest key date tracked here, with 1,250 struck. Mintage is coins struck rather than coins surviving, though — melting and circulation wear thin those numbers further, so survival estimates run lower still.
This guide covers 3 key dates and varieties from the Gold Dollar series (1849–1889). Common dates from the same series are worth far less and are usually valued closer to their metal content.
Grading takes practice, and the gap between adjacent grades is real money on a key date. Compare your coin against the photographs on each date's page, and for anything potentially valuable consider having it certified by PCGS or NGC — a graded coin settles both authenticity and condition in one step.
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Every US series with key dates priced here.
