TheType 2 gold dollar, which followed the Liberty Head of 1849-1854, hasto be called a design failure. James Longacre, the coins designerused a motif similar to the three dollar coin. However, he made thenew coin broader and thinner. The coin did not strike up well,especially in its centers. Many new coins looked worn even thoughthey were fresh and uncirculated. Consequently, Longacre redesignedthe coin after only two years.

TheNew Orleans Mint was authorized in 1835 by President Andrew Jackson,hero of the battle of New Orleans. The bill that Jackson signed alsoauthorized the mints at Charlotte and Dahlonega. William Strickland,a Philadelphia architect designed all three branch mint buildings.The building was made in the solid, bulky Greek Revival style ofarchitecture. It was the largest of the three branch mints andlocated at major port of entry. Unfortunately Strickland did notaccount for the soft ground around the site. Because of it, thebuilding had to undergo numerous repairs throughout its history.