GOLD COIN FIELD GUIDE
Indian Princess $3
The unusual $3 denomination can be confused with the smaller gold dollar. The entire series is collectible; certain dates and mints are especially important.
The metal baseline
- Profile covers
- 1854–1889
- Composition
- 90% gold
- Standard gross weight
- 5.015 g
- Fine gold per coin
- 0.14512 troy oz
- Face value
- $3.00
The reverse separates this from a gold dollar
The headdress portrait can resemble the much smaller Indian Princess gold dollar. Read the three-dollar denomination on the reverse rather than guessing from the portrait.
The 1875 is a proof-only issue. It should not be researched as an ordinary circulation-strike date with a generic three-dollar-gold price.
Where to look. Read 3 DOLLARS inside the reverse wreath. Check the date and mintmark, and distinguish proof issues from circulation strikes.
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.
Proof issue. A distinct collector manufacturing method or proof variety, not a wear grade.
- Key date
1854-D
The only Dahlonega $3 issue and a major rarity in the series.
Check the attribution reference ↗ - Proof issue
1875
A rare proof-only Philadelphia issue, not an ordinary circulation date.
Check the attribution reference ↗
Two questions, not one price
What is the contained metal worth? This profile uses 0.14512 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.