A Gold Dollar contains 0.0484 troy oz of pure gold, worth $193.37 at today's spot price.
The smallest US gold coin, the gold dollar, was introduced after the California Gold Rush made gold plentiful. It was made in three types over its 40-year run.
Melt values use these spot prices (US dollars):
- Gold $3,996.90 per troy oz Current quote · Quote time Oct 25, 12:00 AM EDT
Some prices could not be refreshed recently and may be out of date.
Melt value is the metal content at spot price, not a buy or sell price. Collectible coins can be worth much more. For reference only.
Specifications
| Years | 1849–1889 |
|---|---|
| Face value | $1 |
| Composition | 90% gold, 10% copper |
| Gross weight | 1.672 g |
| Fineness | .900 (90%) |
| Pure metal | 0.0484 troy oz (1.505 g) |
How the melt value is worked out
Melt value is the pure gold in the coin multiplied by the spot price. We use the coin's standard minted weight; worn coins weigh slightly less.
-
1.672 g × .900 fine ÷ 31.1035 g per troy oz = 0.0484 troy oz
0.0484 troy oz × $3,996.90 spot = $193.37
How to identify it
- The coin is tiny, about the size of a modern dime or smaller.
- Type 1 (1849–1854) shows a small Liberty Head; Types 2 and 3 (1854–1889) show Liberty wearing a feathered headdress.
- Type 1 coins (1849–1854) are 13 mm across; later coins are 15 mm.
Melt value vs. collector value
Pre-1934 US gold coins almost always sell for more than melt, even in worn condition, and scarce dates can be worth many times their gold. Gold coins are also a common target for counterfeiters, so buy from reputable sources.
Related tools
Sources
- US Mint: Domestic and Foreign Coins Manufactured by Mints of the United States, 1792–1965 — checked 2026-10-22
- Coinage Act of 1873 (17 Stat. 424) — checked 2026-10-22