U.S. COIN REFERENCE · Historic gold

Historic U.S. gold: the denomination controls the reference

Distinguish dollar, quarter eagle, three-dollar piece, half eagle, eagle, and double eagle before selecting a specification. A portrait style may recur across denominations, so retain the reverse value and measured dimensions in the inspection record.

Choose the reference that fits the coin

Historical gold requires particular care about authenticity and alterations. Photo observations, catalog standards, and instrument measurements are different kinds of evidence. Verify a valuable date or mint combination with a qualified specialist when the evidence warrants it; do not assign authenticity or purity from appearance alone.

Series index; date spans can contain gaps and do not establish every mint or strike
Series or category	Reference span	Coverage
Gold dollar	1849–1889	Reviewed series guide; issue data partial
Draped Bust quarter eagle	1796–1807	Reviewed series guide; issue data partial
Capped Bust quarter eagle	1808–1834	Reviewed series guide; issue data partial
Classic Head quarter eagle	1834–1839	Reviewed series guide; issue data partial
Liberty Head quarter eagle	1840–1907	Reviewed series guide; issue data partial
Indian Head quarter eagle	1908–1929	Reviewed series guide; issue data partial
Three-dollar gold piece	1854–1889	Reviewed series guide; issue data partial
Draped Bust half eagle	1795–1807	Reviewed series guide; issue data partial
Capped Bust half eagle	1807–1834	Reviewed series guide; issue data partial
Classic Head half eagle	1834–1838	Reviewed series guide; issue data partial
Liberty Head half eagle	1839–1908	Reviewed series guide; issue data partial
Indian Head half eagle	1908–1929	Reviewed series guide; issue data partial
Draped Bust eagle	1795–1804	Reviewed series guide; issue data partial
Liberty Head eagle	1838–1907	Reviewed series guide; issue data partial
Indian Head eagle	1907–1933	Reviewed series guide; issue data partial
Liberty Head double eagle	1849–1907	Reviewed series guide; issue data partial
Saint-Gaudens double eagle	1907–1933	Reviewed series guide; issue data partial

Inspect and compare the actual coin

Photograph both faces and the edge. Read the date and mintmark, establish the design and strike, then assess wear, surfaces, damage, and any diagnostic feature. Keep uncertain observations visible. A reference’s variety list supplies candidates to check; it does not identify an error on your coin.

Compare recent sales for the same issue, condition, surface status, and quantity. Record sold versus asking prices, sale date, currency, and shipping. If the available evidence is broader than the coin you are valuing, label that limitation.

References and review

Reference reviewed October 5, 2026. Historical facts and catalog standards need to match the exact issue; price comparisons should be researched at the time of valuation.

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