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1888

Gold Coins · Indian Princess (Large Head) Gold Dollars · 1856–1889
Regular
Weight1.672 g
Diameter15 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 16,580
EdgeReeded
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition90% Gold, 10% Copper
DesignerJames B. Longacre
Collector's Key IDCK-5334

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About this coinHistory

Mintage for 1888 was 16,580 gold dollars, the highest output since 1874 and one of the strongest production years in the entire post-Civil War segment of the series. The increase may reflect accumulated orders or a final push to meet financial demand before the denomination's expected discontinuation. Benjamin Harrison won the presidential election that November, defeating Grover Cleveland in the Electoral College while losing the popular vote.

The 1888 is one of the most available late-series gold dollars. PCGS estimates roughly 200 to 300 survive across all grades. Circulated examples are plentiful, and Uncirculated coins with original surfaces can be found without extraordinary effort. For collectors seeking a penultimate-year gold dollar, the 1888's higher mintage makes it a practical and affordable 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) $325 $375
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $350 $405
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $530 $610
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS) $835 $885
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1888 Indian Princess (Large Head) Gold Dollar worth?
In Very Fine condition it runs about $310–$355, rising to roughly $530–$610 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1888 Indian Princess (Large Head) Gold Dollars were minted?
16,580 were struck.
What is a 1888 Indian Princess (Large Head) Gold Dollar made of?
90% Gold, 10% Copper, weighing 1.672 g.
What is the melt value of a 1888 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 1888 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.