What is a gold dollar made of? The glimmer of gold has captivated humankind for thousands of years. Gold’s allure stems not only from its beautiful yellow gleam, but also its scarcity, malleability, and resistance to corrosion. So when the U.S. Mint began producing gold dollars nearly 200 years ago, it’s no surprise they became beloved keepsakes and valued collectibles.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Gold dollars are made from 90% pure gold and 10% copper.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you could want to know about the composition, history, and modern relevance of gold dollars.
What Precious Metals Make Up Gold Dollars
90% Gold and 10% Copper
The majority of a gold dollar coin is made up of 90% gold and 10% copper. The 90% gold gives the coin its precious metal value and gold color. The 10% copper is added to strengthen the coin and make it more durable for circulation.
Without the copper, a coin made of gold would wear down too quickly.
22 Karat Gold
The gold in gold dollar coins is 22 karat. This means it contains 22 parts gold and 2 parts copper and/or silver. So a 1 oz gold dollar contains about 0.9167 oz of pure gold. The remaining weight comes from the added 10% copper. 22 karat provides an ideal balance between gold content and durability.
Why Copper is Added
Copper serves a few important purposes when added to gold coins:
- Adds durability and hardness – Pure gold is soft and easily scratched or damaged. The copper makes the coins tougher and longer-lasting.
- Improves coinability – The right mix of metals flows better when minted into coin form.
- Enhances visual appeal – Copper provides a more vibrant, golden color.
The United States Mint has used the 90% gold, 10% copper formula for gold dollar production since 1834. Many other countries use similar mixtures for gold coinage. The precise recipe balances precious metal content with the practicality of minting and circulation.
A Brief History of Gold Dollars
Authorized in 1849
The United States Congress authorized a gold dollar coin in 1849, as gold had been discovered in significant quantities in California just a year prior. This led to a surge in minting of the gold dollar coin to meet demand from prospectors and investors flocking west during the Gold Rush era.
The coin gained quick popularity for its compact size and usefulness in smaller transactions. By 1855, over 15 million gold dollar coins had been produced at mints in Charlotte, Dahlonega, New Orleans, Philadelphia, and San Francisco.
Gaining Popularity Until 1889
The gold dollar remained a widely used coin for the next few decades. Upwards of 95 million more gold dollars were minted from 1856 to 1889 as the coin remained popular in commercial transactions. Intriguingly, many of the gold dollars produced in the 1880s are now prized by collectors for their rarity and historic value.
The coins hold stories of early mining endeavors and the nation’s economic growth during the Industrial Revolution.
Sporadic 20th-Century Issues
The Coinage Act of 1890 put an end to the standard minting of gold dollar coins in the United States. However, there have been sporadic commemorative mintings of gold dollars in the 20th century up to as recently as 1984.
These modern gold dollars are solely intended for collectors and investors rather than general circulation as currency. Nonetheless, they recall the legacy of the original Gold Rush era gold dollars as placeholders of America’s frontier history.
Modern Gold Dollar Collectibles and Replicas
U.S. Mint Commemoratives
The United States Mint has issued several modern commemorative gold dollars since the early 1980s to the present day. Some of the most popular releases include the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympic one-dollar coins, the 1991 Mount Rushmore gold dollars featuring the famous South Dakota mountain carving of presidents, and the 2022 James Madison gold dollar celebrating the 250th anniversary of his birth (U.S. Mint).
These mint commemoratives often appreciate over time, especially in pristine condition, making them coveted by coin collectors.
Private Mints and Collections
In addition to the U.S. Mint, several private mints have produced modern gold dollar replicas and collectibles. Major companies like the Bradford Exchange, the Danbury Mint, and the Franklin Mint issue gold-layered dollar coins in tribute to historical events, famous Americans, and more.
For example, the private National Collectors Mint produced a $5 gold-clad coin honoring the Apollo 11 moon landing’s 50th anniversary in 2019 (Littleton Coin Company). While these privately made dollars do not hold the intrinsic value of U.S. Mint bullion coins, they appeal to collectors with their unique designs.
Grading and Authentication Services
As with other collectible and vintage coins, third-party coin grading and authentication services help assess the condition and legitimacy of gold dollars on the market. Top companies like Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) will certify gold dollars with ratings ranging from poor to perfect mint state.
This numeric score along with special holographic labels aids buyers in determining a coin’s overall quality. Authentication and grading ensure collectors have confidence when purchasing rare gold dollars at auction or from dealers.
| Gold Dollar Grade Level | Description |
| MS/PF 70 | Perfect mint condition |
| MS/PF 60-69 | Mint state, some signs of wear |
| AU 50-59 | About Uncirculated with light wear |
| G, VG, F 1-49 | Increasingly heavy circulation wear |
The Value of Gold Dollars Today
Intrinsic Value of Gold Content
Gold dollars contain a small amount of gold, which gives them some intrinsic value. A standard gold dollar coin contains 0.048375 oz of pure gold. At today’s gold prices of around $1,800 per oz, the gold content is worth around $87.
However, this melt value or intrinsic value makes up a relatively small part of the total value of most gold dollars today. Other factors like scarcity, condition, historical significance, and collector demand play a much bigger role in determining gold dollar values.
Collector and Numismatic Value
For coin collectors and numismatists, gold dollars can be worth much more than just the gold melt value. Key date coins and coins in pristine condition can be valued at many times the intrinsic gold value.
For example, an 1849 Open Wreath gold dollar coin recently sold at auction for over $15,000 even though its gold content is worth less than $100. This huge premium demonstrates the collector value of rare gold dollar coins.
In general, factors like mintage, demand, condition, and eye appeal determine how much collectors are willing to pay. An average circulated common-date gold dollar may only sell for $200 to $300. But a rare uncirculated coin could sell for tens of thousands!
Investment Potential
In addition to collecting, gold dollars can also be owned as an investment. While not as popular as bullion coins and bars, gold dollars do have some potential upside due to their small size and collectibility.
For example, the 1849-C Open Wreath gold dollar had a mintage of just over 11,000 coins. But by some estimates, less than 100 examples survive today. As more coins are lost, existing pieces become rarer, and appreciation potential rises.
So for investors with patience and an eye for quality, gold dollars can provide not only intrinsic value but also possible numismatic value growth over the long run.
What Is A Gold Dollar Made Of – Conclusion
While no longer circulating currency, gold dollars hold a fascination for collectors and historians even close to two centuries after their minting. With the value of their precious metals as well as their nostalgic and aesthetic appeal, gold dollars crafted in the 19th century live on today as treasured artifacts and wise investments.
