Liberty $1 Gold Coin

The Liberty Head $1 Gold Coin, also known as the Type 1 Gold Dollar, was minted from 1849 to 1854. Designed by James B. Longacre, it features a classic depiction of Liberty and is valued by collectors for its historical significance and gold content.

Design and Specifications

• Obverse (front): The design features a portrait of Liberty, facing left, wearing a coronet inscribed with 'LIBERTY.' Thirteen stars surround the portrait, representing the original thirteen colonies.
• Reverse (back): Displays a simple wreath encircling the denomination '1 DOLLAR,' with the date below.
• Weight: 1.672 grams
• Gold Content: 0.0484 troy ounces of pure gold
• Fineness: 90% gold (0.900 fineness)

Mint Marks and Varieties

The Liberty Head $1 Gold Coin was struck at several U.S. Mints, with mint marks indicating the place of origin. The mint mark is located on the reverse, below the wreath:

• Philadelphia (no mint mark): The Philadelphia Mint was the primary producer of these coins, especially in the early years.
• New Orleans ('O'): Coins from this mint are generally more sought after due to lower mintages.
• San Francisco ('S'): Known for producing fewer coins, making them relatively more desirable.
• Charlotte ('C') and Dahlonega ('D'): These Southern mints produced coins in limited quantities, adding to their collectability.

Common Dates vs. Rare Dates

Philadelphia-minted coins, especially from the years 1850 and 1851, are more common due to higher production numbers. These are often collected for their gold content rather than their rarity.

Rare Dates and Varieties

Coins from the Charlotte ('C') and Dahlonega ('D') mints are particularly rare, with the 1849-C and 1849-D being notable for their scarcity. The 1849-O is also a key date due to its low mintage.

Another significant date is the 1854-S, the first year of production at the San Francisco Mint, making it highly desirable to collectors.

Various Grades and Values

The value of Liberty Head $1 Gold Coins depends on their condition (grade), rarity, and mint mark. Here is a general estimate of the value based on grades for common-date coins (Philadelphia and large mintage years).

• Good (G): $250-400
• Fine (F): $350-500
• Extremely Fine (XF): $500-700
• About Uncirculated (AU): $700-1,000
• Brilliant Uncirculated (BU/MS): $1,000-1,500

Rare mint marks and key dates can command prices significantly higher, often reaching several thousand dollars for coins in superior condition.

The Liberty Head $1 Gold Coin is a valued piece of American numismatic history, with particular interest in coins from the Charlotte and Dahlonega mints. While common-date coins are often considered for their gold value, rare dates and mint marks attract premium prices among collectors, especially in higher grades.

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