$1 Gold Type 3 Certified (Date/Types Vary)
| The $1 Gold Type 3, minted from 1856 to 1889, is a shining example of 19th-century American coinage. During this period, the one-dollar gold coin evolved into its final design, which collectors and investors still value today. The U.S. Mint’s chief engraver, James Barton Longacre, introduced this design to replace the earlier Type 2 gold dollars. The Type 3’s obverse features a left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty wearing a feathered headdress. The inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" surrounds the portrait. The Type 3 is called the “Indian Princess Large Head” gold dollar because the Type 3’s Lady Liberty is larger than on Type 2 gold dollars. In addition to enlarging her head, the changes altered Liberty’s hairstyle and repositioned the headdress to a more level orientation. These adjustments aimed to reduce the recessed sections that opposed each other in the dies so metal flowed more evenly into the dies and improved strike quality. The outcome was a coin that achieved proper striking, with Type III gold dollars generally featuring well-defined impressions, especially in the central two digits of the date, a problem area in earlier designs. The coin’s reverse displays an agricultural wreath encircling the denomination "1 DOLLAR" and date of issue. The simplicity and elegance of the reverse design complement the intricate obverse. Minted at several locations, including Philadelphia, San Francisco, Charlotte, and Dahlonega, the $1 Gold Type 3 reflects the expansive reach of the U.S. Mint during this era. The Philadelphia Mint, being the primary facility, produced most of these coins, but the branch mints also contributed significantly to their distribution. The mintage numbers for the Type 3 gold dollars vary widely, with some years and mints producing significantly fewer coins, enhancing their rarity and appeal to collectors today. During the Civil War, production declined. Collectors value the $1 Gold Type 3 for its beauty, historical significance, and wide availability that lends itself to building sets. This beautiful gold dollar’s mintage years span from the booming days of the California Gold Rush to the post-Civil War Reconstruction era. For a remarkable piece of numismatic art, historical richness, and investment potential, consider the Indian Princess Large Head. Over 130 years later, it continues to captivate both seasoned collectors and numismatic newcomers. |
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