1861 Gold Dollar - 1861 Gold $1 PCGS MS64 CAC. Civil War Gold Dollar. In its population report, CAC shows only 27 1861 gold dollars have been approved in MS-64. Clean surfaces and blazing mint luster characterize this Civil War dated 1861 Gold Dollar. The almost gem grade is confirmed by a CAC sticker on the OGH (Old Green Holder). The strike is strong on both sides for the type and date. The so called Indian Princess Head Gold Dollar was designed by James Longacre and minted from 1854 to 1889. The first, which is actually Type 2 because there was a prior Liberty Head, was issued until 1856. The second Indian Princess, Type 3, was minted from 1856 to 1889.

The Type 2 Gold Dollar showed a head of Liberty facing left wearing a stylized feathered headdress. It is inscribed LIBERTY on the headband. She is surrounded by the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. The reverse shows an open wreath of corn, cotton, maple, and tobacco tied below with a bow. The wreath encircles the denomination, 1 DOLLAR, and the date. The problem with this coin was that it did not strike up well. In fact mint state examples looked worn and, in some cases, so circulated that the date could not be read on the coin. This problem most affected the branch mint issues, which Longacre did not get to see until afterwards. The proofs that he saw did not have this as a problem. To remedy this situation, Longacre designed the Type 3 Gold Dollar. While the design was similar to the previous issue, Longacre lowered the relief and moved the obverse head so as not to be opposite a reverse relief area. This Gold Dollar is called the Large Size or Large Head.

In its population report, CAC shows only 27 1861 gold dollars have been approved in MS-64.