Pre-1933 US Gold Coins: Melt Value and Premiums
Every pre-1933 US gold coin is 90% gold. Here's how much gold each one holds, how to price it at melt and why most sell above that floor.
$1 Gold Dollar Melt Value
Markets closed: precious metals don’t trade on weekends, so prices show Friday, Nov 6’s close. Live updates resume Sunday evening (ET). Last checked ET
Melt value of one $1 Gold Dollar
$197.01
Face value $1.00Melt ÷ face 197.01× Pure gold 0.04838 ozGold spot $4,072.10
A $1 Gold Dollar (1849–1889) weighs 1.672 grams and is made of 90% gold, 10% copper. That works out to 0.04838 troy ounces of pure gold, so at today’s spot price the metal in one coin is worth about $197.01.
Size changed over the years (Type 1, 2 and 3) but the weight stayed 1.672 g.
$1 Gold Dollar specifications
| Years | 1849–1889 |
|---|---|
| Face value | $1.00 |
| Weight | 1.672 g (0.0538 troy oz) |
| Composition | 90% gold, 10% copper |
| Diameter | 13 mm |
| Gold content | 1.505 g (0.04838 troy oz) · worth $197.01 |
| Copper content | 0.167 g · worth $0.0023 |
How much are $1 Gold Dollar coins worth in bulk?
| Quantity | Face value | Melt value |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.00 | $197.01 |
| 5 | $5.00 | $985.06 |
| 10 | $10.00 | $1,970.12 |
| 20 | $20.00 | $3,940.25 |
| 100 | $100.00 | $19,701.23 |
| 1,000 | $1,000.00 | $197,012.35 |
How the $1 Gold Dollar melt value has changed
| Date | Melt value then | Change to today |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month ago (Oct 8, 2026) | $201.12 | ▼ -2.04% |
| 1 year ago (Nov 8, 2025) | $194.00 | ▲ +1.55% |
| 5 years ago (Nov 8, 2021) | $88.44 | ▲ +122.76% |
| 10 years ago (Nov 8, 2016) | $53.12 | ▲ +270.89% |
Based on stored daily closing prices.
Melt value vs. what your $1 Gold Dollar is worth
Melt value is the floor: the value of the metal alone. Dealers who buy coins for their metal usually pay a little below melt. Coins with a rare date, mint mark or error, or in uncirculated condition, can sell for far more than melt to collectors – check a current price guide or have the coin graded before selling anything that looks scarce.
Have several coins? Use the coin melt value calculator.
Other pre-1933 us gold coins
| Coin | Years | Metal content | Melt value | × face |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle | 1850–1907 | 0.9675 oz gold | $3,939.78 | 197.0× |
 $20 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle | 1907–1933 | 0.9675 oz gold | $3,939.78 | 197.0× |
 $10 Liberty Head Eagle | 1838–1907 | 0.4837 oz gold | $1,969.89 | 197.0× |
 $10 Indian Head Eagle | 1907–1933 | 0.4837 oz gold | $1,969.89 | 197.0× |
 $5 Liberty Head Half Eagle | 1839–1908 | 0.2419 oz gold | $984.94 | 197.0× |
 $5 Indian Head Half Eagle | 1908–1929 | 0.2419 oz gold | $984.94 | 197.0× |
 $3 Gold Piece | 1854–1889 | 0.1451 oz gold | $590.92 | 197.0× |
 $2.50 Liberty Head Quarter Eagle | 1840–1907 | 0.1210 oz gold | $492.53 | 197.0× |
 $2.50 Indian Head Quarter Eagle | 1908–1929 | 0.1210 oz gold | $492.53 | 197.0× |
Melt value = metal content × today’s spot price. It is not what a dealer pays (usually less) or a collector’s price (often more).
Frequently asked questions
How much is a $1 Gold Dollar worth in melt value today?
At today’s metal prices (November 8, 2026) one $1 Gold Dollar contains about $197.01 worth of metal. This is the melt (scrap) value – rare dates and coins in top condition can sell for much more to collectors.
How much gold is in a $1 Gold Dollar?
A $1 Gold Dollar weighs 1.672 grams and contains 0.04838 troy ounces (1.505 grams) of pure gold.
Is a $1 Gold Dollar worth more than its face value?
Right now the metal in a $1 Gold Dollar is worth 197.0× its face value of $1.
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Melt values are estimates based on spot prices and official coin specifications. Dealers usually pay less than melt; rare coins can be worth far more to collectors.