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1862

Gold Coins · Indian Princess (Large Head) Gold Dollars · 1856–1889
Regular
Weight1.672 g
Diameter15 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 1,361,390
EdgeReeded
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition90% Gold, 10% Copper
DesignerJames B. Longacre
Collector's Key IDCK-5280

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About this coinHistory

Philadelphia produced 1,361,390 gold dollars in 1862, the highest output since 1856 and a figure that seems paradoxical given that gold coins had disappeared from circulation the previous year. The explanation lies in export demand and Treasury operations. Gold was needed for international trade settlements, customs duties (which were payable in gold), and government bond transactions. The gold dollar served as a convenient unit for these purposes even though it no longer passed hand to hand in domestic commerce.

The 1862 is one of the more common Civil War-era gold dollars. Circulated examples are plentiful, and Uncirculated coins with original surfaces appear at auction regularly. The coin's high mintage and strong survival rate make it one of the most accessible dates in the 1860s portion of the series. For type collectors seeking an affordable Civil War-era gold dollar, the 1862 is a practical choice.

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) $310 $355
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $310 $360
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $320 $370
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $475 $545
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS) $895 $945
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1862 Indian Princess (Large Head) Gold Dollar worth?
In Very Fine condition it runs about $310–$355, rising to roughly $475–$545 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1862 Indian Princess (Large Head) Gold Dollars were minted?
1,361,390 were struck.
What is a 1862 Indian Princess (Large Head) Gold Dollar made of?
90% Gold, 10% Copper, weighing 1.672 g.
What is the melt value of a 1862 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 1862 Indian Princess (Large Head) Gold Dollar a key date?
It's a more common date overall, though scarcer die varieties may carry a premium — see the varieties list.