Gold Dollar Types: Three U.S. Designs

These are the three main U.S. gold dollar designs of 1849–1889. Read the design as well as the date.

Gold Dollar Types:

• 1849–1854 — Type 1, Liberty Head (small crown; stars around the portrait).
• 1854–1856 — Type 2, Small Head (Liberty wears a feathered headdress).
• 1856–1889 — Type 3, Large Head (a broader, flatter portrait).

1854 has Types 1 and 2. In 1856, San Francisco made Type 2; Philadelphia and Dahlonega made Type 3.

Look closer: 1854 Type 1 vs. Type 2.

These are design types, not errors. Face value was $1. Collector value depends on date, mint, condition and authenticity.