1856 Liberty Gold Dollar

About This Coin

The 1856 Liberty Gold Dollar is a United States dollar from the Small Indian Princess Head Gold Dollars 1854-1856 series. The obverse features a female figure wearing a feathered headdress, representing Liberty in the guise of a Native American princess with a smaller head design, while the reverse displays a wreath enclosing the denomination 1 DOLLAR. Designed by James Barton Longacre. Struck in 90% gold, 10% copper, weighing 1.7 grams, 14.3 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. The Small Indian Princess Head Gold Dollar (Type 2) was an attempt to increase the coin's diameter from 13mm to 15mm while reducing thickness, making it easier to handle. However, the thin design and the shallow relief caused striking problems. Produced for only three years (1854-1856), making it one of the shortest U.S. series. High-grade examples are rare due to the striking issues. The 1855-C and 1855-D are key dates.