1859 Proof Liberty Gold Dollar

Strike Type

Coin Details

Year

1859

Denomination

Gold Dollar

Mint Mark

Strike Type

Proof

Series

Large Indian Princess Head Gold Dollars 1856-1889

Designer

James Barton Longacre

Mintage

Composition

90% Gold, 10% Copper

Weight

1.7g

Diameter

14.3mm

Edge

Reeded

Value Estimates

$15,360 - $15,360

Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.

Auction Record

$22,325 PR64 08-08-2013 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1859 Proof Liberty Gold Dollar is a proof Gold Dollar struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Large Indian Princess Head Gold Dollars 1856-1889 series. With a mintage of 80, this is an extremely rare issue — ranked 0th of 4 mint variants by mintage, with 0% of production. The obverse features a female figure wearing a feathered headdress, representing Liberty in the guise of a Native American princess with a larger, more detailed head design and the reverse displays a wreath enclosing the denomination 1 DOLLAR. Struck during the California Gold Rush era, when vast quantities of western gold transformed the American economy and led to new denominations. As a proof issue, this coin was struck multiple times on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies, producing mirror-like fields and frosted design elements prized by collectors. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Estimated market value is approximately $15K. Struck in 90% gold, 10% copper, weighing 1.7 grams, 14.3 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #7609.