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1878 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-5313

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About this coinHistory

An estimated 20 proof gold dollars were struck in 1878. The Bland-Allison Act authorized the Morgan silver dollar that year, dramatically expanding the Mint's workload in silver, but proof gold production remained a small, separate operation handled by dedicated staff. The 1878 proof gold dollar is one of the rarer proof dates, produced during the deepest trough of the series' proof mintage levels.

Surviving examples are very rare. Collectors pursuing a complete proof gold dollar set face the late 1870s as the most challenging stretch, with estimated proof mintages of 20 to 25 coins per year creating a sustained scarcity that makes any certified example a significant find.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
PR-63 Proof (PR)
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
What is a 1878 Proof Indian Princess (Large Head) Gold Dollar made of?
90% Gold, 10% Copper, weighing 1.672 g.
What is the melt value of a 1878 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 1878 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.