Numismatic

1855 $1 Indian Head Gold Type 2 XF

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In 1855, the United States Mint produced a distinct gold dollar that remains a fascinating study for historical currency enthusiasts. Struck in Philadelphia, this coin contains 0.0483 troy ounces of gold with a purity of 0.900. Despite an initial mintage of 758,269 pieces, many of these delicate gold coins were melted down in subsequent decades, making surviving examples in Extra Fine condition particularly notable objects of study. The obverse of this Type 2 coin features a left-facing portrait of Liberty. She wears a stylized headdress adorned with a band clearly displaying the word LIBERTY. Surrounding her profile are thirteen stars, representing the original colonies. This intricate design showcases the detailed artistry achieved on a coin of such small physical dimensions. On the reverse, the coin features its face value of 1 DOLLAR and the 1855 year of issue positioned at the center. Arching above this central inscription are the words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. This simple yet elegant layout emphasizes the national identity and monetary utility of the gold piece during a dynamic era of American currency history.