1849… and the cry of “Gold!” attracted thousands of prospectors to California. Some tripped over huge nuggets while others barely found a few grains. Almost everyone knows the story of the 1849 California Gold Rush and the tales about miners and prospectors, but whatever happened to all the “Gold Rush” gold? There’s no accounting for most of it — except for a tiny percentage minted into the first-ever United States Gold Dollars. Type I Gold Dollars were struck from only 1849 to 1854, at which time the design was changed. At 13 mm in diameter, the Type I Gold Dollar was the smallest U.S. gold coin ever issued by the U.S. Mint. The small size prompted the Mint to strike thinner coins that were bigger in diameter. Struck in 90% gold, this historic first-ever coin is a real piece of California Gold Rush history. Our supply of coins has been graded to be in Extremely Fine condition. They will make a splendid addition to any coin collection or history buff’s cache of artifacts.