At thirteen millimeters in diameter, the solid gold Liberty Head dollar is the smallest American coin ever minted. Designed by engraver James Longacre, the coin entered production in 1849, after gold bullion from California began flowing into the US Treasury. The Liberty Head’s size, however, made it easy to lose, and minting ceased in 1854. Its replacement, the slightly larger fifteen-millimeter Indian Princess coin, featuring Lady Liberty wearing Longacre’s interpretation of an American Indian headdress, had greater staying power. Production continued until 1889.
The Seated Liberty design was developed by Christian Gobrecht and used on a variety of silver coins. The earliest, a dollar, was produced from 1836 to 1873. Other denominations included half dimes (1837–73); dimes (1837–91); twenty-cent pieces (1875–78); quarters (1838–91); and half dollars (1839–91).
The Barber series, named for designer Charles Barber, first appeared in 1892 on dimes, quarters, and half dollars. Production of Barber coins continued through 1916.
Produced from 1878 to 1921, Morgan dollars bear the likeness of Philadelphia teacher Anna Willess Williams, chosen by designer George T. Morgan based on what he considered her all- American features. Morgan’s choice represented a break with previous depictions of Lady Liberty, which had been inspired by classical figures.
