GOLD COIN FIELD GUIDE
Indian Princess Gold Dollar · Type 2
The short-lived Small Head type is often weakly struck. A faint date or lettering is not, by itself, proof of damage or an unusual variety.
The metal baseline
- Profile covers
- 1854–1856
- Composition
- 90% gold
- Standard gross weight
- 1.672 g
- Fine gold per coin
- 0.04837 troy oz
- Face value
- $1.00
Identify the head type at both ends of the date range
Type 2 overlaps Type 1 in 1854 and Type 3 in 1856. Confirm the Small Head design before choosing a date-specific comparison.
Faint design detail can reflect strike weakness, wear, or damage. Do not decide which explanation applies from a single soft photograph, and do not equate a weak strike with an automatically lower wear grade.
Where to look. Compare the small portrait and headdress with Type 3. Inspect the reverse date, DOLLAR lettering, and mintmark without cleaning the surfaces.
Dates and details worth a second look
This is a selected watch list, not every key date or variety in the series. Finding a matching date is a reason to inspect further—not proof of authenticity, grade, or a particular value.
What do these collector labels mean?
Key date. An important scarce issue in this series; grade and authenticity still matter.
Better date. A date or issue that merits its own comparison, not an automatic high-value finding.
- Key date
1855-D
A major Type 2 rarity from Dahlonega, requiring expert authentication.
Check the attribution reference ↗ - Better date
1855-C
A scarce Charlotte issue; weak strike and condition complicate assessment.
Check the attribution reference ↗
Two questions, not one price
What is the contained metal worth? This profile uses 0.04837 fine troy ounces of gold per coin. Multiply that by the number of matching coins and a current per-troy-ounce gold quote. The calculator shows the quote and its freshness when available.
What might a collector pay for this coin? That takes the exact issue, condition, surfaces, finish, and any authenticated variety. The checkpoints above explain why a collector sale may differ from the metal estimate. A calculated melt value is neither a guaranteed buying offer nor a complete appraisal.
The listed weights are standard reference specifications, with rounded published fine-metal values. They do not measure wear, damage, missing metal, or authenticity in your individual coin. Gross grams include the alloy; fine troy ounces describe the precious metal itself.
Use this profile in the calculator →Build a useful comparison
- Record the full date, mintmark, denomination, and finish. Photograph both sides and any diagnostic detail.
- Use the specific references above to check a suspected variety. Do not clean the coin to make a feature easier to see.
- Compare completed sales for the same issue and similar condition. Separate proof, special-strike, and attributed examples from ordinary coins.
- Record shipping and other costs separately. An asking price or one exceptional auction result is not a typical sold price.
References and further checking
Use these references to inspect the issue and attribution in more detail. Prices, populations, and market premiums can change.
Educational reference only; not individualized appraisal or investment advice. For a potentially valuable or questionable example, use a qualified numismatist or established authentication service.