Gold dollars were introduced in 1849, following the discovery of the precious yellow metal in California. The denomination was coined every year until 1889, when the gold dollars were retired in favor of their silver counterparts. Three different distinct types were struck, all bearing a Liberty Head obverse and wreath reverse; the latter two depicting her with an Indian headdress: Type 1 1849-1854; Type 2 1854-1856; Type 3 1856-1889. In addition to the prominent Philadelphia, New Orleans and San Francisco Mints, this denomination was coined at the Southern mints of Dahlonega, Georgia and Charlotte, North Carolina, both of which struck only gold coinage in relatively small numbers until the outbreak of the Civil War. A minute, but unknown quantity of 1861-D gold dollars were struck under Confederate States of America authority. Today, only around 80-some pieces have been certified by NGC and PCGS combined. The short-lived Type 2 gold dollar is particularly popular with collectors. Specialized reference books include: MAJOR VARIETIES OF GOLD DOLLARS by Walter Breen; GOLD COINS OF THE CHARLOTTE MINT 1838-1861 by Douglas Winter; GOLD COINS OF THE DAHLONEGA MINT 1838-1861 by Douglas Winter; A GUIDE BOOK OF UNITED STATES COINS by R.S. Yeoman; and the all encompassing COMPLETE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF U.S. AND COLONIAL COINS by Walter Breen.
Rare Dates: 1849-C Open Wreath, 1861-D, 1875.
Famous Issues: 1849-C Open Wreath, 1861-D, 1875. All Charlotte and Dahlonega Mint issues.
