Sterling Collection of Gold Dollars One-Per-Year
Private
Updated:
5/27/2026
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Building a set of gold dollars is a challenging and very expensive endeavor. The antebellum dates 1849-1861 are loaded with mint marked issues, nearly all of which are rare and very expensive for the average collector. The Dahlonega and Charlotte mints produced small amounts of gold coins each year until the onset of the Civil War halted production. In 1854, the San Francisco mint joined these branch mints, producing small numbers of coins each year until 1860, and once again in 1870. All of these coins are scarce to rare and are highly prized by collectors. The notable exception to this are the products of the New Orleans mint from 1849 to 1855, which were produced in sufficient numbers that they can usually be found at moderate prices today.
In contrast, the Philadelphia mint produced larger numbers of coins each year. For every generalization of course, there is an exception. In this case it is the 1875 issue, of which a mere 420 coins were produced. The remainder of the Philadelphia issues are typically more affordable, making the set within the reach of the average collector. While Gem quality coins typically remain scarce and usually somewhat pricey, nearly all Philadelphia issues are readily available in Almost Uncirculated condition at modest premiums, while low end mint state coins up to MS-64 can also be found reasonably priced. All this makes the building of a date set of gold dollars a challenging, but realistic endeavor.
This is a living collection in that I am still building the set and updating the information as time permits. The information provided is gleaned from my 55 years of experience buying and selling coins, along with the scholarly works listed below.
Select bibliography:
Ambio, Jeff, Collecting & Investing Strategies for United States Gold Coins; Zyrus Press 2008.
Bowers, Q. David, A Guide Book of Gold Dollars 79th Edition; Whitman 2011.
Breen, Walter, Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins; Doubleday 1988.
Heritage Auctions, various auction catalogs 2000-2025.
Kreger, Craig & Dannreuther, John; “A New Slant on Coins of 1850-56,” The Numismatist, 2002.
Stacks Bowers Inc., various auction catalogs 2000-2025.
Yeoman, R.S., A Guide Book of United States Coins 2026; Jeff Garrett editor; Whitman 202
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Sterling Collection of Gold Dollars One-Per-Year
By Sterlingcoins
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