Have a photo? Submit it and we'll credit you.

As an eBay Affiliate, Collector's Key may be compensated if you make a purchase through the link(s) above.

1863 Proof

Gold Coins · Indian Princess (Large Head) Gold Dollars · 1856–1889
Regular Proof
Weight1.672 g
Diameter15 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeProof
EdgeReeded
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition90% Gold, 10% Copper
DesignerJames B. Longacre
Collector's Key IDCK-5282

Collection

collectors own this
on want lists

Your collection

Sign in to track this coin.

About this coinHistory

The 1863 proof gold dollar was struck in an estimated mintage of 50 coins. The Civil War was at its midpoint, and proof coin purchases remained a niche activity pursued by collectors with the means and inclination to acquire gold coins during a period of extreme monetary instability. The 1863 proof complements a business strike mintage of only 6,250 coins, making both formats scarce for the year.

Surviving proofs show the Type 3 design in full mirrored detail. The combination of a low proof mintage and a low business strike mintage makes 1863 one of the tougher years in the gold dollar series regardless of which format a collector pursues.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
PR-63 Proof (PR)
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
What is a 1863 Proof Indian Princess (Large Head) Gold Dollar made of?
90% Gold, 10% Copper, weighing 1.672 g.
What is the melt value of a 1863 Proof 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 1863 Proof 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.