The U.S. Mint's Gold Dollar (1849-1889): An Overview of the Series
The U.S. Mint's Gold Dollar (1849-1889) holds a unique place in American coinage history as the smallest denomination and physical size of any U.S. gold coin. Minted in response to the California Gold Rush, these coins were produced in three distinct designs over the course of 40 years. Despite their small size, Gold Dollars were widely circulated and played a significant role in commerce. In this article, we explore the history, designs, and key dates of this fascinating series, offering insight into why it remains a prized addition to any numismatic collection.