1851-O (New Orleans) Gold Dollars

Coin / United States of America / 1851 / New Orleans / Gold Dollars / $1 (One Dollar)

The coin in question is a 1851 New Orleans Mint $1 Gold Dollar, part of the Gold Dollars series issued by the United States. Struck from 90% gold and 10% copper, this coin has a total weight of approximately 1.67 grams and a diameter of 13 mm, making it a small yet significant piece of American numismatic history. The coin bears the mint mark "O," indicating that it was produced in New Orleans, a key minting location during the mid-19th century. With a total mintage of 290,000, the 1851 Gold Dollar is not the rarest issue, but its historical context adds to its appeal among collectors. The obverse typically features a design of Liberty, often depicted with a headband inscribed with the word "LIBERTY." The reverse generally showcases a simple but elegant wreath design, surrounded by the denomination. Collectors value this coin not only for its gold content but also for its historical significance as a part of America’s early coinage that reflects the 19th-century gold rush and economic expansion. Overall, the 1851 Gold Dollar is a captivating collectible that speaks to a pivotal era in American history, sought after by both gold bullion investors and serious numismatists alike.