Indian Head Gold Dollar

The very first Indian Head Gold Dollar was minted by the authority of Congress and lasted six years when it was replaced by the thinner and larger Indian Head type. The first Indian Head Gold Dollar was called the ’small’ Indian head gold dollar and was minted from 1854 to 1856. The third gold dollars type was minted from 1856 to 1889. It features an Indian ‘princess’ wearing a featured version of the Liberty cap. It seems a bit odd today that the coin featured the symbol of liberty on the head of the Native American that was being displaced and sent off to reservations, but at that time, it was designed as a tribute.

The gold dollar had its origins during the Carolina gold rush of the 1830s. The sudden availability of gold spurred the US government to makes some changes to the coins it minted. Gold coins were being minted in rather large quantities and two new Mints opened in the Carolinas just for the production of gold coins. Another gold rush in California in 1849 sparked the demand for even more gold coins. The Indian Head Gold dollars were composed of 90% gold and 10% silver and copper.

The Indian Head Gold Dollar is hard to come by and highly prized by collectors.