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1859-Da

Gold Coins · Indian Princess (Large Head) Gold Dollars · 1856–1889
Key date
Weight1.672 g
Diameter15 mm
MintDahlonega
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 4,952
EdgeReeded
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition90% Gold, 10% Copper
DesignerJames B. Longacre
Collector's Key IDCK-5270

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About this coinHistory

Dahlonega struck 4,952 gold dollars in 1859. The Georgia mint was approaching its final years, though no one at the facility could have known in 1859 that only two more years of production remained. The gold dollar dies arrived from Philadelphia, were set up by Dahlonega's small staff, and produced just under five thousand coins before the run ended and the dies were retired.

The 1859-D is a key date with an estimated survival population of 40 to 60 coins across all grades. Most fall in the Fine to Very Fine range. Extremely Fine coins are scarce, and Uncirculated examples are very rare. An MS62 brought $17,625 at Heritage in April 2008. The Dahlonega characteristics are present on virtually every surviving coin: soft central detail, olive-toned gold, and slightly granular surfaces.

The 1859-D sits in the middle range of Dahlonega gold dollar rarity. It is more available than the extreme rarities of 1856, 1860, and 1861, but still requires active searching and a willingness to accept the surface quality that defined Dahlonega production.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G)
VG-8 Very Good (VG)
F-12 Fine (F)
VF-20 Very Fine (VF)
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF)
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU)
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS)
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS)
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How many 1859-Da Indian Princess (Large Head) Gold Dollars were minted?
4,952 were struck.
What is a 1859-Da Indian Princess (Large Head) Gold Dollar made of?
90% Gold, 10% Copper, weighing 1.672 g.
What is the melt value of a 1859-Da Indian Princess (Large Head) Gold Dollar?
Its melt value is its metal content multiplied by the current spot price. See our melt calculator on the metals pages for a live figure.
Is the 1859-Da Indian Princess (Large Head) Gold Dollar a key date?
Yes — the 1859-Da Indian Princess (Large Head) Gold Dollar is considered a key date in the Indian Princess (Large Head) Gold Dollars series and commands a strong premium.