Overview of $1 Gold Princess Type 2

The Type 2 Gold Dollar Princess is a nineteenth-century United States gold coin struck in 90% pure gold with a weight of 0.0483 troy ounces. Produced by the United States Mint at various facilities during its production run, this coin carries legal tender status as a one-dollar denomination. The Very Fine (VF) grade means the coin has circulated but retains clear design details with moderate wear across the high points. We carry this coin in random years, making it an accessible way to acquire an authentic piece of American coinage history at the VF level.

History and Background

The Gold Dollar series underwent a significant redesign in 1854, transitioning from the Type 1 small head design to the larger Indian Princess Head design now recognized as the Type 2. The redesign was carried out by Mint engraver James B. Longacre in response to criticism that the original design was difficult to strike cleanly and prone to weak impressions. The Type 2 was produced only from 1854 to 1856, making it one of the shortest-lived subtypes in the series. Despite its brief production window, the Type 2 Gold Dollar holds a distinct place in American numismatic history. The design featured a more prominent Indian Princess portrait, though the shallower relief of certain elements continued to challenge the striking process, which contributed to the decision to revise the design once more with the Type 3 in 1856. Coins from this era were struck at several Mint facilities, which accounts for the variety of mint marks found across surviving examples.

Design and Aesthetics

The obverse of the Type 2 Gold Dollar features a left-facing portrait of an Indian Princess wearing a feathered headdress, surrounded by thirteen stars representing the original colonies. The date appears at the bottom of the obverse field, and the inscriptions are clean and clearly rendered even on circulated examples at the VF grade level. The portrait has a more open, rounded quality compared to the small-head Type 1 design it replaced. The reverse presents a wreath encircling the denomination "1 DOLLAR," with "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" running along the outer rim. The wreath design incorporates corn, wheat, and other agricultural motifs that were common on mid-nineteenth-century American coinage. At the VF level, both the obverse portrait and the reverse wreath retain sufficient detail to make the design elements clearly legible and visually coherent.

Fractional Size and Accessibility

At 0.0483 troy ounces, the Type 2 Gold Dollar is among the smallest gold coins produced by the United States Mint, and that physical scale is part of what makes it an interesting option for buyers who want genuine American gold without committing to a full ounce or half ounce format. The coin's compact size also reflects the gold content precisely, as its denomination was intended to represent one dollar in gold at the time of issue. Because the coin is small by design, buyers should expect a diminutive physical presence. That said, the detail work on well-preserved Type 2 examples at the VF grade is surprisingly fine given the size, and the coin rewards close examination despite its modest dimensions.

Authenticity and Product Integrity

The Type 2 Gold Dollar was struck by the United States Mint to the specifications of the era, containing 90% gold and 10% copper, which gives the coin its characteristic warm color and durability. Every example we carry is verified for authenticity, weight, and purity before being made available. Our authorized dealer relationships with both PCGS and NGC provide additional grading and authentication support for customers who wish to pursue third-party certification beyond the raw condition listed here. As a United States Mint issue, this coin benefits from the institutional credibility of one of the most established minting authorities in the world. Buyers can take confidence in the historical manufacturing standards applied to these coins during their original production, and in our commitment to verifying the products we handle.

Condition and Packaging

The Very Fine grade indicates a coin that has seen genuine circulation but retains well-defined design elements across both sides. At the VF level, the high points of the portrait and the wreath will show moderate wear, while the fields and protected areas remain relatively clear. Lettering and dates are sharp and fully readable. This is a circulated grade that reflects honest use rather than damage or mishandling, and it is an appropriate choice for buyers who want a presentable, historically significant coin at a more accessible price point than higher-grade examples. Individual coins ship in protective plastic flips to prevent additional contact or handling wear during transit. Because this product is offered in random years, the specific date and mint mark will vary, but each coin meets the VF grade standard regardless of year. If you are purchasing multiple coins, they will be packaged appropriately based on quantity.

Pricing and Market Factors

Pricing for the Type 2 Gold Dollar reflects both the current spot price of gold and a numismatic premium tied to the coin's historical significance, relative scarcity, and collector demand. Because the Type 2 series was produced for only three years, surviving examples in any grade carry a premium above pure melt value that is influenced by the numismatic market rather than metal content alone. The short production window and consistent collector interest support firmer premiums across all grade levels. Our pricing reflects real-time market conditions rather than arbitrary markups, and the bid/ask spread displayed on the product page gives buyers a clear picture of both acquisition cost and current resale value. Understanding this relationship is central to evaluating the true cost of ownership on a numismatic product like this one.

Selling and Liquidity

The Type 2 Gold Dollar is recognized among American numismatic coin collectors and bullion buyers alike, which supports consistent resale activity within established dealer and auction networks. Its status as a United States Mint issue, combined with a known gold content and a clear grading standard, makes it straightforward to price and transact in the secondary market. Collector coins in the VF grade occupy a practical middle ground, appealing to buyers who want historical character without paying the premium associated with high-grade certified examples. We operate a two-way market that allows customers to both purchase and sell precious metals within the same platform. Buyers who eventually choose to sell their Type 2 Gold Dollar can access our competitive buyback pricing rather than navigating unfamiliar third-party channels.

Why Buy the Type 2 Gold Princess Dollar?

The Type 2 Gold Dollar stands apart from other nineteenth-century gold coinage because of its extremely limited production period, giving it a numismatic profile that is distinct from the longer-running Type 1 and Type 3 issues. Collectors who are building a type set of American gold coinage cannot complete that set without a Type 2 example, which creates durable demand across grades. At the VF level, this coin offers a combination of genuine circulation history, clear design detail, and an accessible entry price relative to mint state examples. The random year format makes it straightforward for buyers who prioritize type over date, allowing them to acquire a representative example without paying date-specific premiums. For buyers focused on the broader historical and compositional appeal of early American gold coinage, the VF Type 2 Gold Dollar is a strong and well-defined choice.

Why Buy from Bullion Standard?

We have built our reputation on transparent pricing, verified products, and a buying and selling experience that treats customers as informed participants rather than a captive audience. Our A rating with the Better Business Bureau, membership in the American Numismatic Association (ANA) and the National Coin and Bullion Association (NCBA), and authorized dealer status with both PCGS and NGC reflect a commitment to professional standards that extends across every product we carry, including historical numismatic coins like this one. Every coin we list has been verified for authenticity, weight, and metal content. Our two-way marketplace gives buyers the ability to transact on both sides without leaving the platform, and our pricing structure is designed around clarity rather than unnecessary complexity. Whether you are adding to a type set, acquiring physical gold in a smaller format, or exploring early American coinage for the first time, we provide the support and transparency to make that decision with confidence.

Get Near-Spot Pricing with Bullion Standard Pro

Bullion Standard Pro gives members access to live, executable wholesale bid and ask pricing across our catalog, including numismatic products like the Type 2 Gold Dollar where premiums and spreads can shift meaningfully with collector demand. Real-time portfolio valuation using current wholesale bid prices lets members track the liquidation value of their holdings rather than relying on estimated retail figures, which is particularly relevant for numismatic coins where market conditions influence pricing independently of spot. Pro members also benefit from proprietary research tools that allow products to be compared across metrics including premiums, historical premium trends, bid/ask spreads, and liquidity, giving buyers a clearer picture of where a numismatic coin sits relative to the broader precious metals market at any given moment.

Flexible and Secure Payment Options

We support a wide range of payment methods to make every transaction as convenient and secure as possible. Customers can pay using Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover, as well as PayPal, bank-connected payments through Plaid, wire transfer, paper check, or cryptocurrency through BitPay. Each method is supported within a secure transaction environment designed to protect your information and provide a straightforward checkout experience from start to finish.