Numismatic

1854 $1 Indian Head Gold Type 2 XF

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In 1854, the United States Mint produced a tiny treasure in gold, a one dollar coin containing 0.0483 troy ounces of precious metal. Although 783,943 of these pieces were originally struck in Philadelphia, their survival rate is remarkably low. Over the decades, vast numbers of these delicate gold coins were melted down, making surviving specimens in Extra Fine condition a fascinating window into the mid nineteenth century. The obverse of this coin showcases a classic profile of Liberty facing left, her hair bound by a band clearly inscribed with the word LIBERTY. Surrounding her portrait are thirteen stars, representing the original colonies. On the reverse, the design focuses on the core identity of the currency, displaying the denomination of 1 DOLLAR and the year 1854, all encircled by the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.