Mintage levels for the Indian Princess Gold Dollar were significant for the first few years of production at the Philadelphia Mint. The branch mints kept production low, resulting in numerous scarce issues. Following the start of the Civil War, production would take place exclusively at the Philadelphia Mint with the exception of a single issue struck in San Francisco. Although mintages would remain low for the duration of the series, these issues generally have higher survival rates resulting in continued availability for collectors.

The highest mintage for the series occurred in 1856 at the Philadelphia Mint when 1,762,936 pieces were struck. The absolute mintage low occurred in 1875 when merely 400 pieces were struck for circulation. The final coins for both the series and denomination would be struck in 1889.

The mintage levels for circulation strike issues of the series can be found below.

1854	783,943
1855	758,269
1855-C	9,803
1855-D	1,811
1855-O	55,000
1856-S	24,600
1856	1,762,936
1856-D	1,460
1857	774,789
1857-C	13,280
1857-D	3,533
1857-S	10,000
1858	117,995
1858-D	3,477
1858-S	10,000
1859	168,244
1859-C	5,235
1859-D	4,952
1859-S	15,000
1860	36,514
1860-D	1,566
1860-S	13,000
1861	527,150
1861-D	Estimated 1,250
1862	1,361,355
1863	6,200
1864	5,900
1865	3,700
1866	7,100
1867	5,200
1868	10,500
1869	5,900
1870	6,300
1870-S	3,000
1871	3,900
1872	3,500
1873	125,100
1874	198,800
1875	400
1876	3,200
1877	3,900
1878	3,000
1879	3,000
1880	1,600
1881	7,620
1882	5,000
1883	10,800
1884	5,230
1885	11,156
1886	5,000
1887	7,500
1888	15,501
1889	28,950

The 1875 Indian Princess Gold Dollar (Buy on eBay) has the lowest mintage of the series and denomination. A mere 400 business strike coins produced, along with an additional 20 proof coins struck for collectors. Most business strikes have survived in uncirculated condition and display proof-like qualities, simply because the dies never had the chance to wear down. A small die characteristic in the field before the neck can be used to distinguish the proofs from the business strikes.

Due to this issue’s status as having one of the lowest mintages for any United States coin, it is popular and experiences high demand from collectors. One of the finest certified examples graded PCGS MS66 with CAC sticker sold for $109,250 at auction in February 2010.

Coin Specifications

• Designer: James B. Longacre
• Composition: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
• Weight: 1.672 grams
• Diameter: 15 mm
• Edge: Reeded

The only San Francisco gold dollar produced after the Civil War was the 1870-S (Buy on eBay). The reason for its creation is unknown, as gold dollars were not needed in commerce at the time and no other branch mints had resumed production. The reason perhaps may have had something to do with the opening of the second San Francisco Mint building.

Various unique denominations were created at the San Francisco Mint that year including the half dime and three dollar gold piece. Perhaps the gold dollar might have been unique as well, but instead a total of 3,000 pieces were reported to have been struck. A sizable number of these have survived, even in uncirculated condition, making this issue not as scarce as the mintage might suggest. Nonetheless, it is certainly an interesting and historic coin, which came to represent the final branch mint issue for the gold dollar denomination.

Coin Specifications

• Designer: James B. Longacre
• Composition: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
• Weight: 1.672 grams
• Diameter: 15 mm
• Edge: Reeded

The 1861-D Gold Dollar (Buy on eBay) represents the rarest issue of the series, a status which is magnified by its historical background. After the Confederate Army seized the Dahlonega Mint in April 1861, they struck an estimated 1,250 gold dollars with the remaining bullion on hand. Since production had not previously taken place during the year, this issue represents the only coin struck exclusively by the Confederacy.

Approximately 50-60 pieces are still in existence across all grades. Most of these are graded in AU, indicating they were hoarded soon after their mintage. Production-quality was low, and most survivors show various problems such as weak strikes and irregular planchets.

One of the finest known examples graded NGC MS 65 from the Duke’s Creek collection sold for $149,500 at an auction held in January 2008.

Coin Specifications

• Designer: James B. Longacre
• Composition: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
• Weight: 1.672 grams
• Diameter: 15 mm
• Edge: Reeded

The 1855-D Indian Princess Gold Dollar (Buy on eBay) represents one of the rarest coins for both the series and denomination. The original mintage at Dahlonega was 1,811 pieces, of which fewer than 100 examples are believed to have survived.

Striking is a major problem with this issue and nearly all known survivors display weakness on the central portion of the reverse. This impacts the appearance of the date, which is not complete on most coins. A mere four coins are known to exist in uncirculated condition, and two of these do not display a full date.

The absolute finest known specimen is from the Duke’s Creek Collection and features a sharp strike and excellent luster. The piece was graded NGC MS 64+ with CAC sticker and sold for $155,250 at auction in August 2011.

Coin Specifications

• Designer: James B. Longacre
• Composition: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
• Weight: 1.672 grams
• Diameter: 15 mm
• Edge: Reeded

As with the previous series, the Indian Princess Gold Dollars were struck in a composition of 90% gold and 10% copper. The diameter was 15 mm, and the standard weight was 1.672 grams (25.8 grains). All coins have a reeded edge. Those struck at the Philadelphia Mint carry no mintmark, while the mintmarks for the Charlotte, Dahlonega, New Orleans and San Francisco Mints can be found on the reverse, below the wreath.

In general, the issues of the issues of the series struck at the Philadelphia and San Francisco Mints have the highest production quality, although weak strikes still sometimes occurred. The issues produced at the Charlotte and Dahlonega Mints are generally weakly struck, sometimes with planchet problems, and may lack eye appeal. The quality from the New Orleans Mint depends on the issue. Many coins are prone to have been dipped or cleaned, and original, problem-free coins are very scarce to rare for most of the early dates. Proofs often display hairlines which limits the grade.

Type collectors will often be satisfied with a single example of a later date of the series. Some of these have survived in extremely high grade, including some pieces certified as MS-68 or MS-69. A relatively high proportion of the coins struck in the 1880s have survived, and mintage usually is not a direct indication of rarity.