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1864 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-5284

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About this coinHistory

Philadelphia produced an estimated 50 proof gold dollars in 1864. Sherman was marching through Georgia, Grant was grinding through the Wilderness campaign in Virginia, and the gold premium over greenbacks hit $2.85 per dollar in gold, the wartime peak. Proof gold coins from 1864 were purchased by collectors who recognized both their numismatic and intrinsic value in an economy where paper money depreciated daily.

The 1864 proof gold dollar is scarce, with only a handful of confirmed examples surviving in top grades. Certification establishes both the proof designation and the grade, which is particularly important for Civil War-era gold proofs where the line between a proof and a carefully preserved business strike can be subtle.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
PR-63 Proof (PR)
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
What is a 1864 Proof Indian Princess (Large Head) Gold Dollar made of?
90% Gold, 10% Copper, weighing 1.672 g.
What is the melt value of a 1864 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 1864 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.