Liberty Head (Type 1) 1849-1854: The coin is 13mm canvas of gold, created by James Longacre in May 1849. Approximately 1,000 coins were minted on May 8th, however, the dies cracked giving these coins the name No L variety. The front of the coin features a womens head wearing a cornet with the word LIBERTY engraved on the headband. Thirteen stars surround the woman to symbolize the colonies. On the back of the coin there is a wreath in the center with 1$ and the date written underneath. The wreath was surrounded by the phrase UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Indian Princess Head (Type 2) 1854-1856: In 1854 Longarce redesigned the coin to be 15mm. The front features an Indian princess wearing a feather headdress, with the word LIBERTY inscribed in the band. The back features the border UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and a wreath composed of corn, cotton, tobacco, and wheat (the major exports of America) embodying the denomination and the year the coin was minted.
Indian Princess (Type 3) 1856-1889: The Mint was experiencing several problems producing the design, forcing Longacre to redesign the coin yet again. He lowered the relief and made the head wider.
Type Collectors there are three distinct types of gold dollars:
