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GOLD DOLLAR
Gold Dollars (1849-1889)
In 1836 the Philadelphia Mint struck patterns for two denominations which would not see regular
circulation until many years later, the two-cent piece (which was first minted for circulation in 1864)
and the gold dollar. Pattern gold dollars of that year display on the obverse a liberty cap surrounded by
resplendent rays, a motif borrowed from Mexican coinage. Later, the same design was to be used on a
medal struck in the same year to observe the first use of steam power at the Mint for coinage. The
reverse of the 1836 pattern dollars displayed a palm branch arranged in a circle or loop. Examples
were struck in gold as well as other metals. Despite the apparent success of the patterns, gold dollars
were not adopted at the time.
There are numerous rare issues among the 1849-1889 gold dollars. All pieces from the Charlotte and
Dahlonega mints are elusive, and several, including 1849-C with an open wreath on the reverse, 1854-D,
1855-C, 1855-D, 1856-D, 1857-D, 1858-D, 1859-D, 1860-D, and 1870-S are very rare. One of the most
famous of all rarities is the 1861-D issue. These pieces were apparently struck after the Dahlonega
Mint was captured by the Confederate States of America forces. No coinage records were kept. Most
Charlotte and Dahlonega (in particular) pieces are usually very weakly struck. The same situation
occurred with most quarter eagles and half eagles from the same two mints.
circulation until many years later, the two-cent piece (which was first minted for circulation in 1864)
and the gold dollar. Pattern gold dollars of that year display on the obverse a liberty cap surrounded by
resplendent rays, a motif borrowed from Mexican coinage. Later, the same design was to be used on a
medal struck in the same year to observe the first use of steam power at the Mint for coinage. The
reverse of the 1836 pattern dollars displayed a palm branch arranged in a circle or loop. Examples
were struck in gold as well as other metals. Despite the apparent success of the patterns, gold dollars
were not adopted at the time.
There are numerous rare issues among the 1849-1889 gold dollars. All pieces from the Charlotte and
Dahlonega mints are elusive, and several, including 1849-C with an open wreath on the reverse, 1854-D,
1855-C, 1855-D, 1856-D, 1857-D, 1858-D, 1859-D, 1860-D, and 1870-S are very rare. One of the most
famous of all rarities is the 1861-D issue. These pieces were apparently struck after the Dahlonega
Mint was captured by the Confederate States of America forces. No coinage records were kept. Most
Charlotte and Dahlonega (in particular) pieces are usually very weakly struck. The same situation
occurred with most quarter eagles and half eagles from the same two mints.