Liberty Head Gold Dollars 1849-1854

About This Series

Authorized by the Act of March 3, 1849 — the same legislation creating the double eagle — the Liberty Head Gold Dollar became the smallest coin ever produced by the United States Mint. James B. Longacre designed the Type 1 obverse with Liberty wearing a coronet surrounded by thirteen stars, paired with a wreath reverse. At just 13 mm diameter, these diminutive coins were easily lost and criticized as impractically small, though they served a genuine commercial function when a dollar represented a full day's wages. The California Gold Rush fueled demand, and production occurred at Philadelphia, Charlotte (C), Dahlonega (D), New Orleans, and San Francisco. The 1849-C Open Wreath is a notable Charlotte Mint rarity. Southern gold mint issues from Charlotte and Dahlonega are particularly collectible due to low mintages and association with the Appalachian gold region. The Type 1 design lasted only six years before the Mint enlarged the diameter to address size complaints, transitioning to the Indian Princess Small Head in 1854.

Series Information