Gold Dollar Type 1 (1849-1854)
Obverse (Front) Design
Reverse (Back) Design
Coin Specifications
Date Range
Denomination
Designer / Engraver
Mints
Composition
Precious Metal Content
Weight
Diameter
Edge
Mintage
History & Background
The Type 1 Gold Dollar was authorized by the Act of March 3, 1849, at the height of the California Gold Rush, when large amounts of new gold were entering the economy. It was the first United States gold dollar and, at 13 mm across, the smallest gold coin the country has ever issued.
Design
James B. Longacre designed the coin. The front shows a Liberty head surrounded by stars, and the back shows a wreath around the denomination and date.
Mints and varieties
Type 1 gold dollars were struck from 1849 through 1854 at Philadelphia and at the branch mints in Charlotte, Dahlonega and New Orleans. Coins from the branch mints are usually scarcer than Philadelphia issues and are often in demand with collectors.
Why the design changed
The coin’s very small size was a practical problem, and in 1854 it was replaced by a larger, thinner Indian Princess design known as Type 2. A third type followed in 1856.
Collecting Tips
- Look for weak strikes, especially on the stars and the date.
- Many gold dollars were used in jewelry; check for mount marks, solder or repairs.
- Branch-mint coins (C, D and O mint marks) carry premiums over Philadelphia coins.
- Buy certified examples when paying for higher grades.
Photographs by Grade
Gold Dollar Type 1 (1849-1854) (1849–1854) — Photographs by Grade
MS64
MS65
MS66
MS67
MS68
Frequently Asked Questions about the Gold Dollar Type 1 (1849-1854)
How much gold is in a Type 1 Gold Dollar?
It weighs 1.672 grams and is 90% gold, which is about 0.0484 troy ounces of pure gold. Collector value is usually well above the metal value.
Why are there three types of gold dollar?
The design was changed twice, in 1854 and 1856, mainly because the original 13 mm coin was so small. Type 1 is the earliest and smallest.
Which mints made Type 1 gold dollars?
Philadelphia, Charlotte (C), Dahlonega (D) and New Orleans (O).
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