Liberty Head Gold Dollar Values
How Much Liberty Head Gold Dollar
Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | U-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 | MS-67 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1800 | P | Plain 4- Stemless Wreath | Red-brown | 200 | 300 | 400 | 500 | 600 | 700 | 800 | 900 | 1000 | 1200 | 1100 |
| Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | MS-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1849 | (None) Phil | No L | -- | -- | $273 | $297 | $412 | $509 | $1,034 | $1,770 | $2,960 | $5,450 | $13,000 |
| 1849 | D | -- | -- | -- | $2,035 | $2,420 | $3,095 | $3,648 | $6,250 | $19,075 | $39,000 | $86,500 | -- |
| 1849 | O | -- | -- | -- | $273 | $285 | $430 | $523 | $1,328 | $3,555 | $5,475 | $16,050 | $38,750 |
| 1849 | (None) Phil | Open Wreath | -- | -- | $273 | $328 | $388 | $436 | $620 | $1,190 | $2,005 | $4,480 | $15,350 |
| 1850 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $270 | $282 | $298 | $351 | $382 | $475 | $687 | $1,535 | $5,175 | $13,150 |
| 1850 | C | -- | -- | -- | $1,203 | $1,590 | $2,710 | $4,120 | $7,220 | $29,600 | -- | -- | -- |
| 1850 | D | -- | -- | -- | $1,265 | $1,770 | $2,945 | $3,650 | $10,925 | $40,100 | $61,400 | -- | -- |
| 1850 | O | -- | -- | -- | $692 | $813 | $1,278 | $1,590 | $3,513 | $8,300 | $17,700 | -- | -- |
| 1851 | D | -- | -- | -- | $1,100 | $1,430 | $2,600 | $3,540 | $6,030 | $19,500 | $46,750 | $91,250 | -- |
| 1851 | O | -- | -- | $300 | $312 | $343 | $442 | $473 | $833 | $1,770 | $4,315 | $6,860 | $26,000 |
| 1851 | C | -- | -- | -- | $1,375 | $1,498 | $1,860 | $2,225 | $3,760 | $6,775 | $16,575 | $38,995 | $35,125 |
| 1851 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $270 | $269 | $285 | $335 | $365 | $457 | $631 | $1,038 | $2,217 | $3,433 |
| 1852 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $270 | $269 | $285 | $335 | $365 | $457 | $631 | $1,038 | $2,325 | $4,450 |
| 1852 | C | -- | -- | -- | $825 | $1,120 | $1,715 | $2,600 | $5,200 | $20,495 | $24,350 | $49,800 | $72,750 |
| 1852 | D | -- | -- | -- | $1,155 | $1,590 | $2,420 | $3,665 | $8,740 | $35,400 | -- | -- | -- |
| 1852 | O | -- | -- | -- | $303 | $365 | $448 | $531 | $1,328 | $4,370 | $9,680 | $35,400 | $55,875 |
| 1853 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $270 | $269 | $285 | $335 | $384 | $457 | $631 | $779 | $2,380 | $3,433 |
| 1853 | C | -- | -- | -- | $1,760 | $1,795 | $2,570 | $3,205 | $6,330 | $20,050 | $28,200 | $48,400 | -- |
| 1853 | D | -- | -- | -- | $1,265 | $1,540 | $2,600 | $3,650 | $8,240 | $23,375 | $31,250 | $55,600 | $116,250 |
| 1853 | O | -- | -- | -- | $273 | $318 | $401 | $461 | $728 | $1,868 | $2,463 | $8,025 | $32,995 |
| 1854 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $270 | $269 | $285 | $335 | $365 | $457 | $631 | $1,038 | $2,325 | $3,433 |
| 1854 | D | -- | -- | -- | $3,520 | $4,400 | $5,750 | $7,300 | $11,200 | $43,700 | $85,200 | -- | -- |
| 1854 | S | -- | -- | -- | $440 | $550 | $1,038 | $1,590 | $3,650 | $8,020 | $17,150 | $41,750 | -- |
Liberty Head Gold Dollar: America’s First $1 Gold Coin
Introduced in 1849, the Liberty Head Gold Dollar is the first $1 gold coin struck by the U.S. Mint. Designed by James B. Longacre, this coin was issued in response to the influx of gold from the California Gold Rush, making smaller gold denominations practical and necessary. With its elegant design, compact size, and rich history, the Liberty Head Gold Dollar remains a highly sought-after piece for numismatists.
A New Chapter in U.S. Currency
Before 1849, the smallest gold coin in circulation was the $2.50 Quarter Eagle. The discovery of gold in California created a surplus of bullion, allowing for the introduction of a more accessible $1 gold piece.
The Type 1 Liberty Head Gold Dollar (1849–1854) was struck with a small 13mm diameter. The obverse features a classic depiction of Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed with “LIBERTY,” and the reverse displays a wreath encircling the denomination and date.
Due to striking difficulties, the design was later modified into two additional types:
- Type 2 (1854–1856) – Introduced the Indian Princess Head design and increased the diameter to 15mm.
- Type 3 (1856–1889) – Further refined the Indian Princess portrait with a more detailed profile.
Why Collectors Admire the Liberty Head Gold Dollar
Despite its small size, the Liberty Head Gold Dollar is packed with historical significance. As the first U.S. gold dollar, it represents an important era in American coinage. The Type 1 issues, struck in the shortest timeframe, remain particularly desirable due to their classic design and scarcity in high grades.
Collector’s Guide: What to Look For
- Where to Acquire Them: Liberty Head Gold Dollars, due to their age and gold content, are best found at high-end coin auctions and reputable dealers.
- Desirable Features: Seek out coins with strong strikes, minimal wear, and original mint luster, which command the highest premiums.
- Storage Advice: As with all gold coins, handle them with care and store them in certified holders to prevent surface marks.
1849-C Liberty Head Gold Dollar
The 1849-C Open Wreath Liberty Head Gold Dollar is one of the rarest and most valuable issues, with fewer than five known examples. This extremely scarce variety is a top-tier rarity in U.S. numismatics, commanding six-figure prices at auction.
Investment Outlook: Small Coin, Big Demand
The Liberty Head Gold Dollar remains a strong investment due to its historic importance, gold content, and limited availability. While circulated examples are attainable, high-grade pieces and branch mint issues—such as those from Charlotte (C) and Dahlonega (D)—are especially prized.
Key Dates and Noteworthy Varieties
Some key dates of Liberty Head Gold Dollars are:
- 1849-C Open Wreath – One of the rarest U.S. gold coins, with only a few known examples.
- 1850-D Liberty Head Dollar – A key Dahlonega Mint issue, notoriously difficult to find in top condition.
- 1854 Liberty Head Dollar – The final year before the transition to the Indian Princess design.
- Notable Errors: Look for double dies, repunched dates, and off-center strikes, which add to a coin’s numismatic appeal.
Longacre’s Timeless Influence on U.S. Coinage
James B. Longacre’s Liberty Head design was a classic representation of American ideals, appearing on multiple denominations beyond the gold dollar. Though the coin changed in later years, the Type 1 Liberty Head Gold Dollar remains a defining piece of mid-19th-century coinage.
A Golden Relic of a Transformative Era
The Liberty Head Gold Dollar is more than just a small coin; it’s a symbol of America’s economic expansion and the impact of the California Gold Rush. Whether collected for its historical importance, investment value, or artistic appeal, this coin continues to shine as a cherished piece of U.S. numismatic history.
