Greysheet Catalog Details (GSID: 72366)
Between 1854 and 1855, Longacre has designed another brand new denomination with the three dollar gold piece in which it was felt to be so eye appealing that he changed the Gold Dollar to be just like it. This new 'Indian' design is thought to be more beautiful, unique and therefore now more well-known when one thinks of a Gold Dollar. Liberty's head had shrunk from Type 1 to Type 2 but that was done to make room for the Indian headdress. As for the reverse you will recognize it if you are familiar with the Flying Eagle Cent and three dollar gold piece. The U.S. Mint did make an attempt at making the Gold Dollar larger because of public outcry but they made sure not to add any extra gold to the coins. Therefore, the Type 2?s were made larger in diameter but in order to do this they were struck on substantially thinner planchets. This even shorter lived type from 1854 to 1856 had plenty issues of its own that is highlighted by a very weak strike. Notable dates would be the 1855-D for its scarcity along with the 1854 and 1855 for being so common. Of course high grade examples and proofs are rare, valuable and desirable but what collectors, investors and dealers really look for are strong strikes which are few and far between.
Obverse: Indian head portrait, smaller than the type 3 design, with crown centered in the design surrounded by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the periphery.
Reverse: "1 DOLLAR" is centered with date below, surrounded by a large wreath tied in a bow at the bottom. Mint mark, if any, appears at the bottom below the blow.

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