Gold Dollar (1849–1889) Melt Value
Pure gold content of the Gold Dollar (1849–1889): Type 3, large head (1856–1889) 0.0484 oz; Type 2, small head (1854–1856) 0.0484 oz; Type 1, Liberty head (1849–1854) 0.0484 oz. At $4,147/oz gold, the Type 3, large head (1856–1889) is worth about $200.65 in melt value. Collector value is separate and depends on date, mint mark and grade.
Values above refresh with the October 19, 2026 spot price.
Gold Dollar (1849–1889) specifications
| Version | Years | Fineness | Gross weight | Pure gold | Diameter | Face value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type 3, large head (1856–1889) | 1856–1889 | .900 (90%) | 1.672 g | 1.505 g (0.0484 oz t) | 15 mm | 1 Dollar |
| Type 2, small head (1854–1856) | 1854–1856 | .900 (90%) | 1.672 g | 1.505 g (0.0484 oz t) | 15 mm | $1 |
| Type 1, Liberty head (1849–1854) | 1849–1854 | .900 (90%) | 1.672 g | 1.505 g (0.0484 oz t) | 13 mm | $1 |
The US gold dollar was struck from 1849 to 1889 in three types. All hold the same 0.0484 oz of pure gold; Type 1 is only 13 mm across, and Types 2 and 3 were made wider and thinner (15 mm) so they were harder to lose.
How the melt value is calculated
Melt value = gross weight × fineness ÷ 31.1035 × spot price. For the Type 3, large head (1856–1889): 1.672 g × .900 = 1.505 g of pure gold. Divide by 31.1035 grams per troy ounce to get 0.0484 oz, then multiply by $4,147 spot: about $200.65.
Melt value by quantity
| Quantity | Type 3, large head (1856–1889) | Type 2, small head (1854–1856) | Type 1, Liberty head (1849–1854) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 coin | $200.65 | $200.65 | $200.65 |
| 5 coins | $1,003 | $1,003 | $1,003 |
| 10 coins | $2,007 | $2,007 | $2,007 |
| 20 coins | $4,013 | $4,013 | $4,013 |
| 50 coins | $10,033 | $10,033 | $10,033 |
| 100 coins | $20,065 | $20,065 | $20,065 |
Melt value vs collector value
Melt value is only what the gold in a Gold Dollar is worth at today's spot price. A coin's market value can be much higher: scarce dates, mint marks and high grades sell to collectors for a premium, while common dates in worn condition trade closer to melt. Nu Stack does not estimate collector prices on this page. For a specific coin, check the date and mint mark, the condition (a grading service such as PCGS or NGC, or a local dealer) and recent sales.
Related coins
More: Gold melt value explained · How to sell gold and silver coins · How to track a precious metals stack · Free melt calculator · All coin melt values
Specs: Nu Stack coin database (curated entries and the Numista catalog). Types 1 and 2 are not in the database; all three gold dollar types are 1.672 g of .900 gold, Type 1 at 13 mm and Types 2–3 at 15 mm (PCGS CoinFacts). See above. Melt values use the gold spot price from the Nu Stack price feed and are estimates of metal content only, not offers to buy or sell.
Frequently asked questions
How much gold is in a Gold Dollar?
Type 3, large head (1856–1889): 1.505 g (0.0484 troy oz) of pure gold; Type 2, small head (1854–1856): 1.505 g (0.0484 troy oz) of pure gold; Type 1, Liberty head (1849–1854): 1.505 g (0.0484 troy oz) of pure gold.
What is a Gold Dollar worth in melt value today?
At $4,147/oz gold (October 19, 2026): Type 3, large head (1856–1889) about $200.65; Type 2, small head (1854–1856) about $200.65; Type 1, Liberty head (1849–1854) about $200.65. The value moves with the spot price, and this page updates automatically.
Is a Gold Dollar worth more than its melt value?
It can be. Scarce dates, mint marks and coins in high grades sell above melt value to collectors, while common dates in worn condition trade closer to melt. Check the date, mint mark and condition, or ask a grading service or dealer, for a collector value.