The value of a gold one dollar coin depends heavily on whether it is a genuine US Mint gold dollar coin or one of the later, gold-colored circulating dollar coins.
- Genuine US Mint gold dollars (1849-1889)
These are made of 90% gold and 10% copper, weighing 1.672 grams and containing 0.04837 troy ounces of pure gold.
- Their value is primarily driven by their numismatic value , which can significantly exceed their melt value (the value of the gold they contain).
- Key factors determining their numismatic value are:
– Rarity: Coins with lower mintage numbers or those from specific mints (like Dahlonega or Charlotte) are typically more scarce and valuable.
– Condition: Coins in higher grades (better condition) are more desirable to collectors and fetch higher prices. Grading services like PCGS and NGC assess condition on a scale of 1-70.
– Historical Significance: Coins tied to important historical events or periods can also have a higher value.
- Melt Value: Based on current gold prices (August 11, 2025: $3352.59/ounce), the melt value of a 90% gold dollar coin is approximately $162.16.
Examples of valuable genuine gold dollars:
- 1849-C Liberty Coronet: $86,250-$690,000
- 1861-D Large Liberty Head: $40,011-$175,394
- 1855-D Liberty Indian: $20,444-$144,544
- Modern gold-colored dollars (1979-present)
These include Sacagawea dollars, Presidential dollars, and American Innovation dollars.
- They are made from a copper core with a manganese-brass coating, giving them a golden appearance.
- They contain no gold or other precious metals, and are only worth their face value ($1) in most cases.
- However, rare error coins in this series can be worth thousands of dollars. An example is the 2000 Sacagawea dollar with a quarter obverse, which sold for $192,000 in 2018.
- Size and Weight: Genuine gold dollars are tiny (15mm diameter) and weigh 1.672 grams, [smaller than a dime] . Modern gold-colored dollars are larger, similar in size to a quarter.
- Mint Mark and Design: Check for the mint mark and design of your coin. Historic gold dollars have various designs (Liberty Head, Indian Princess) and mint marks (C, D, O, S).
- Date: Genuine gold dollar coins are dated between 1849 and 1889. Anything outside this range is not a genuine gold dollar.
Note: It’s crucial to consult a professional coin dealer or appraiser for an accurate valuation of your gold dollar coin, especially if it’s a genuine US Mint gold dollar.
How much gold is in a U.S. 1 dollar coin?
From my experience, Issued 1849-1889, this American One Dollar Gold coin features the Liberty Head design and measures 13mm across. Each coin weighs exactly 1.672 grams and contains 1.505 grams of gold.
Are 1 dollar gold coins actually gold?
I can help with that. Are Gold Dollar Coins Real Gold? Yes! Issued from 1849-1889, the American one dollar gold coin weighed exactly 1.672 grams and contained 1.505 grams of gold.