Small Indian Princess Head Values
How Much Small Indian Princess Head Gold Dollars are Worth: Small Indian Princess Head Gold Dollar Values & Coin Price Chart
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1854 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $425 | $431 | $460 | $537 | $592 | $1,500 | $4,169 | $7,773 | $25,825 | $43,150 |
| 1855 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $425 | $431 | $460 | $553 | $592 | $1,695 | $4,482 | $7,773 | $27,159 | $43,150 |
| 1855 | C | -- | -- | $2,500 | $2,490 | $3,070 | $4,950 | $5,890 | $29,995 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 1855 | D | -- | -- | -- | $7,275 | $10,925 | $29,600 | $55,495 | $67,750 | $109,250 | $179,200 | -- | -- |
| 1855 | O | -- | -- | $540 | $822 | $1,018 | $1,535 | $2,172 | $8,213 | $30,425 | $52,000 | -- | -- |
| 1856 | S | -- | -- | -- | $675 | $858 | $1,770 | $2,475 | $9,075 | $22,000 | $48,125 | $106,900 | -- |
Description and History
The Small Indian Princess Head Gold Dollar represents a fascinating chapter in the history of U.S. coinage, particularly as part of the pre-1933 gold coins. Introduced in the mid-19th century, this coin marked a period of innovation and artistic development in American numismatics.
The Small Indian Princess Head Gold Dollar was introduced in 1854, following the earlier Type 1 design, which featured Lady Liberty wearing a coronet. The Small Indian Princess Head Gold Dollar was part of the second design of the gold dollar coinage, which began in 1849 during the California Gold Rush. The U.S. Mint sought to create a functional coin that reflected the nation’s growing confidence and identity. The Small Indian Princess Head Gold Dollar became known as the Type 2 design.
The design of the Small Indian Princess Head Gold Dollar featured a left-facing portrait of a Native American princess, a departure from the classical Greco-Roman figures that previously adorned U.S. coinage. This design was created by James B. Longacre, the Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint at the time, for use on the Three Dollar Gold Coin. The depiction of the Indian Princess was not a portrayal of an actual Native American woman but rather an idealized figure meant to represent the indigenous peoples of America. The coin’s reverse featured a wreath encircling the denomination and year of issuance.
Production of the Small Indian Princess Head Gold Dollar ended in 1856 when the Large Indian Princess Head Gold Dollar replaced it. Its demise can be attributed to the U.S. Mint’s difficulties in creating the coin. The details didn’t stand out because of the design’s high relief, and the coins became ineligible shortly after entering circulation. James B. Longacre corrected the issue by making the head larger, along with other minor changes that would aid in better production.
Significance of Pre-1933 Gold:
Pre-1933 U.S. gold coins, including the Small Indian Princess Head Gold Dollar, are highly sought after by collectors and investors for several reasons. These coins were minted before the United States went off the gold standard in 1933, making them a tangible connection to an era when gold reserves backed currency. In 1933, as part of efforts to combat the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed an executive order requiring citizens to exchange gold coins, bullion, and certificates for paper money, effectively ending the circulation of gold as currency.
The Small Indian Princess Head Gold Dollar, like other pre-1933 gold coins, is prized for its historical significance, rarity, and beauty. These coins are valuable for their gold content and the stories they tell about the American past.