View Charts
$1 Indian Princess Head Gold Coin
INDIAN HEAD PRINCESS COIN DESIGN
They say three times are a charm, and that's precisely what happened with Indian Head Princess coins. It took three times before the US Mint settled on the right design for this coin. There are two different camps of thought when it comes to the woman on these gold coins. One states that the obverse is Lady Liberty wearing a native feather headdress. However, other numismatics claims that this design is reminiscent of the "Crouching Venus" Accroupie, a Roman statue, with a native headdress. Thirteen stars surround Lady Liberty (or the Roman, depending on how you perceive it). Regardless of your take on the matter, the Indian Head Princess coin is a historical, highly valued, and rare collection piece.
The reverse of the gold coin showcases an open agricultural wreath with cotton, tobacco, corn, and wheat. The very agricultural market that makes up early American days. The reverse also features the denomination and year of mintage. The series ran from 1844-1889. Additionally, these coins come in PCGS and NGC certified and are a .900 purity level.
TYPE I: LIBERTY HEAD GOLD DOLLAR
Type I of this gold coin was not an "Indian Head Princess," but instead the Liberty Head gold dollar. Lady Liberty has her hair in a bun and a tiara on top of her head. Like Type II and III, 13 stars surround her. The Type 1 wreath is also different in that it features berries and holly instead of agriculture. The wreath also surrounds a roman numeral, and features the date of mintage and the inscription "DOLLAR."
TYPE II: INDIAN PRINCESS ‘SMALL HEAD” GOLD COIN
The type II gold Indian Head Princess was the first of the series to feature Lady Liberty with a native feathered headdress. Furthermore, the denomination and year of the mintage moved to the reverse side with the wreath. The new open wreath included agricultural elements like wheat, corn, tobacco, and cotton—much like America's early farming days. Both this and the type III coin was a design by James Longacre. These coins are widely popular among collectors despite their poor striking, as they carry a deep historical value and significance. The rarest date was 1855-D, and it is hard to find these coins in mint condition.
TYPE III: INDIAN PRINCESS “LARGE HEAD” GOLD COIN
In 1856, the type III Indian Head Princess was released. It was a modification of type II Indian Head Princess coin. The designer, Longacre, enlarged Liberty's head, straightened her headdress, and changed her hair. This was to allow the coin's metal to flow more evenly into the dies of the coin. Most were successful in improvement. Additionally, the coin's portrait became flatter, and the inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" moved closer to the coin's border. These gold coins are more plentiful in mint condition but just as much of a collection piece.
GOLD RUSH
The California Gold Rush began in 1848 and is said to be responsible for these Indian Princess coins. That's because the surplus of gold (to the tune of $600 million) sparked Congress to expand its use of gold in coinage. This was when the federal government of the US authorized the production of gold dollars. The Indian Head Princess was only the third of gold dollar coins that the US Mint had released. It is indeed a rare, valuable, and historical collection piece. In 1849, the government passed a law to authorize the government-issued gold coinage—gold dollars and $20 double eagles. As California exploded in population, Congress additionally authorized $3 gold pieces.
ADDITIONAL COINS
ORDER YOUR INDIAN HEAD PRINCESS GOLD COINS TODAY
At Bullion Exchanges, we continue to offer the best in service, selection, and quality. We are a well-known Precious Metals Retailer found online and in-store (New York City's Diamond District.) You'll see we have a wide range of gold, silver, platinum, palladium, and more. As always, we guarantee the authenticity of our products. Our coins come in a variety of denominations and sizes to accommodate all tastes and budgets. Celebrate American history and order your coins today.