Guide To American Gold Coins: 1-4$

In this guide we will cover federal issue gold coins as part of our Coin Archeology guide series. And as part of this websites Gold Month. In future chapters, we shall get into the private and territorial gold coins as well as commemorative issues. Unlike the silver coin guides posted before. I will not be going into great detail about the coins values. But rather what you need to know about each coin series. Starting from 1 Dollar coins threw to the Four Dollar Stella Gold coin. And then starting at the Five dollar (half eagle) coins threw to the Ten (Eagle). And the 20 Dollar coins (Double Eagle) as the last chapter. I have made these lists very simple. Each coin type if clicked will enlarge in order to see the details. Or to serve as a stand alone chart of each coin type. I have chosen to save much of the historical facts surrounding gold coinage for another article where it will serve more purpose in the article I have prepared for later. But, to keep things in proper sequence. I wanted to make this list in order for people to become familiar with these coins. Or to identify one. As always. By whatever means you come across a historical coin. Especially gold. Do not attempt to try and clean these coins with anything other than a rinse under water to remove dirt if present from a dig. Which I want to remind all of you. Is NOT impossible! Questions, comments and emails are all welcome if you need more information on any coin listed here in.

ONE DOLLAR GOLD COINS: "GOLD DOLLARS These coins were authorized on March 3rd 1849. The weight was to 25.8 grains with a .900 fineness. The first type. The Liberty Head/Type 1 or "Small sized" gold coin was struck until 1854. It was later changed in 1854 to a slightly larger sized coin in diameter, but resulting in a thinner coin to keep the same standards.

Note: Open Wreath Reverse is found only in the 1849 variety

Interesting Fact: The Indian Head Princess 1$ Gold coins, like the Indian Penny are actually Lady Liberty in an Indian Head Dress. And not of a American Native like the Buffalo nickels which did depict a Native American.

2-1/2 DOLLAR GOLD: QUARTER EAGLE Authorized on April 2nd 1792, Quarter Eagles weighed 67.5 grains or .9167 (almost 92%) Gold fineness.

In 1840 A Coronet and Smaller Head were designed to conform with the appearance of the larger coins.

INDIAN HEAD: This new type featured a sunken relief in all the main devices and legends. And had no raised edge as its precedents. Designed by Bela Lyon Pratt, a pupil of Famous Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Pratt based the standing eagle on the reverse of the Indian head coin off his teachers Gold Ten dollar Coin. Which was, derived from Theodore Roosevelt's 1905 unofficial inaugural medal, designed by Saint-Gaudens. And Engraved by Adolph A Weinman. Who later created the Walking Liberty Half Dollar. All of which are some of the most striking coins in 20th century coinage.

THREE DOLLAR GOLD: The Indian Princess 3 dollar gold coin was never a very popular coin to the general public. And it saw very little circulation. The coins changed hands in the east and midwest until 1861, after which they dissapeared from circulation: threw the 1860's less than 10,000 were struck each year. In 1874 and 1878 the mintage increased significantly in anticipation of the coins going into broader circulation. However on the west coast the coin was probably not seen in change often after 1860's. It is said these coins were useful for purchasing postage stamps of the time. Which was 3 cents. Or for acquiring 100 silver three cent coins, also known as 'trimes" which were also in circulation at the time.

STELLA: Exact mintages of the STELLA gold 4$ coin to best my understanding are unknown. The coin was envisioned by John A. Kasson as Americas answer to various foreign gold coins popular in the international markets. IE: British Sovereigns, Italy's 20$ Lira and the 20 Peseta's of Spain. Each smaller than a US 5$ gold coin. The Stella was doomed right from the start. As it was an odd denomination. And the 20$ gold US coin was already used in a much more convenient exchange medium. The two designers of the Stella, so called the Stella because of the star on the reverse. Were George T. Morgan. And Charles E. Barber for the coiled hair variety. These gold coins were never minted for circulation. But, was minted none the less. And therefor it will be listed as our final gold coin of this chapter. Some of the finest surviving examples of this coin can be seen in the Smithsonian Institutions National Numismatic Collection.

Well, that concludes this chapter of Federal Issue American Gold Coins. In the next chapter. We will start with the 5$ gold coins. And move up from there. Chapters can be found in the "Coins" Menu. And if you are a subscriber will be emailed out as they are posted.
To learn more about American Coins and prices. Simply buy a Red Book. Or continue your venture on Google. There is much information out there. And remember. Finding a gold coin is NOT impossible. It has been done. And in future chapters. I will talk about places you are most likely to find them. As always. Please check back. There is much more to come. Especially for GOLD FEVER FEBRUARY. Thanks for checking out Urban Archaeology's Coin Archeology coin post on Federal Gold Coins chapter one.

-Ryan