The Indian Princess Head $3 Gold Coin had a face value of three dollars. It was primarily minted so that postage stamps that cost three dollars could be purchased without using multiple coins. There were not many coins that were struck over the 35 years span. The Indian Head $3 Gold Princess was not often circulated. After the civil war the Indian Princess Head $3 Gold Coin was discontinued.
The design of the coin was created by James B. Longacre, the chief engraver at the time. The obverse on the Indian Princess $3 gold coin consisted of Liberty wearing a Native American Indian headdress, resembling a princess. The reverse depicted a wreath. Inside the wreath was the denomination of the coin and the year it was minted. For the coins that were not minted in Philadelphia the mint mark was located directly under the wreath on the reverse. Philadelphia minted $3 Gold Princesses did not carry a mint mark.
The Indian Princess Head $3 dollar gold piece was minted from 1854-1889, and was minted in Philadelphia, Denver, New Orleans, and San Francisco. It weighs 5.015g, has a 20.5mm diameter, and has a reeded edge. The coin is composed of 90% gold and 10% cooper and has has .1451 troy oz of gold content.
Although the coin was not minted in very high numbers and was not super popular amongst the people during its time, it is now a gem for collectors due to its gold content, and rarity. The rarest piece in the series is the 1870-S. There is only one known to be in existence today. Other key dates in the Indian Princess Head $3 Gold Coin are:
1854-D Indian Princess Head $3 Gold
1855-D Indian Princess Head $3 Gold
1877 Indian Princess Head $3 Gold