The links below provide a concise guide to the most common, and commonly collected, historic U.S. Gold coins. For the sake of convenience and simplicity we have divided common gold coin denominations into separate "Liberty Era" and "Renaissance Era" listings. Each denomination has a unique history deserving of much more subtle distinction and there are many great books available to guide the amateur numismatist. The Whitman Red Book is a great place to start, and is available at most larger bookstores and online.

The "Liberty" Era

Very roughly speaking, this era can be considered one in which early gold coin designs became settled and stable for an extended period, one which encompasses such historic events as the early gold rushes, Westward expansion, and the Civil War. Though designs evolved during this period, offering collectors various types and varieties to choose from, the essential designs remained intact.

$20 Liberty Double Eagle 1849-1907

$10 Liberty Eagle 1838-1907

$5 Liberty Half Eagle 1839-1908

$2.5 Liberty Quarter Eagle 1840-1907

$1 Liberty (Type I) 1849-1854

$1 Indian Princess (Type III) 1856-1889

The "Renaissance" Era

The United States entered the 19th century as a fledgling nation and exited it as a powerful one, influential in world affairs. It was the passion of president Theodore Roosevelt to reflect this maturity in national symbols such as currency. The coins of this era are marked by bold departures from previous designs, and bear the distinction as being the last circulating gold coins in U.S. history.

Saint-Gaudens $20 Double Eagle 1907-1933

$10 Indian Head 1907-1933

$5 Indian Head 1908-1929

$2.5 Indian Head 1908-1929