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The three dollar gold piece was authorized by the Act of February 21. 1853, First struck in 1854. the coin was never popular with the general public and saw very little circulation. Today, some numismatists theorize that the $3 denomination would have been useful for purchasing postage stamps of the day (with their face value of 3c) or for acquiring 100 silver three-cent pieces ("trimes"), which were also in circulation at the time. These gold coins changed hands in the East and Midwest until 1861. after which they disappeared from circulation; through the 1860s. fewer than 10,000 were struck annually. In 1874 and 1878. mintages were increased significantly in anticipation of the coins going into broader circulation. On the West Coast, the three-dollar gold piece did see circulation throughout the series' minting, though they probably weren't seen in change very often after the 1860s. The head on the obverse represents an Indian princess with hair tightly curling over the neck, her head crowned with a circle of feathers (the band of which is inscribed LIBERTY). A wreath of tobacco, wheat, corn, and cotton occupies the field of the reverse, with the denomination and date within it. The coin weighs 77.4 grains, and was struck in .900 fine gold. In the year 1854 only, the word DOLLARS is in much smaller letters than in later years. The 1856 Proof has DOLLARS in large letters cut over the same word in small letters. Restrikes of some years were made, particularly Proofs of 1865 and 1873. Although these coins did not see extensive day-to-day circulation, collector interest was high, and many three-dollar gold pieces were saved by speculators beginning about 1879. As a result. Mint State examples are fairly numerous today. The 1870-S coin is unique, currently residing in the Harry W. Bass Jr. Collection on loan to the American Numismatic Association. Designer James B- Longacre; weigh! 5.075 grams; composition .900gold,. 100 copper (net weight. 14512 oz. owe gold); diameter 20.5 mm; reeded edge: mints: Philadelphia, Dahlonega, New Orleans. San Francisco.
1860 $3 (1860 Three Dollar Gold) PCGS MS62. This mint state, lustrous 1860 Three Dollar Gold Coin is well struck. Full details are seen on the tips of the feathers in the headdress...More >>>
1860-S Three Dollars Gold (1860-S $3) NGC VF30 CAC. By 1860, California had changed from a regular state with a large number of citizens and pioneers that no one...More >>>
1861 $3 Three Dollar Gold NGC XF45 CAC. With a mintage of just 5,959 the 1861 $3 gold piece is a very popular coin struck in the first year of the American Civil War.....More >>>
1863 $3 AU50 PCGS. Q. David Bowers and Doug Winter (2005) write, "As the low mintage would seem to indicate, the 1863 $3 gold piece is scarce in any grade and rare in higher levels."...More >>>
1864 $3 Three Dollar Gold NGC XF45. The 1864 three dollar had a mintage of 2,680 circulation strikes, and is one of the rarer three dollar gold pieces of its era (David Bowers, 2005)...More >>>
1868 Three Dollar Gold (1868 $3) PCGS AU55. This premium quality, sunshiny 1868 three dollars gold coin shows bright luster in the devices. Aside from a small mark on Liberty’s...More >>>
1870 $3 (1870 Three Dollar Gold) PCGS AU55. Much bright mint luster remains within the devices of this attractive 1870 Three Dollar Gold Piece. The ends of the feathers...More >>>
1881 $3 (1881 Three Dollar Gold) PCGS MS63. This rare 1881 Three Dollar Gold coin has the lowest reported mintage for a business strike in the series. The coin has an above average...More >>>
1882 $3 (1882 Three Dollar Gold) PCGS MS61. As expected for a mint state 1882 Three Dollar Gold Piece, not a trace of wear is found on this coin. Its surfaces are clean for the grade...More >>>
1886 $3 (1886 Three Dollar Gold) NGC MS62 PL. This low mintage 1886 Three Dollar Gold piece comes with an outstanding strike and bright mint luster within its devices...More >>>
1886 $3 (1886 Three Dollars Gold), Indian Princess, PCGS PF62 Cameo CAC. A super sharp strike and cameo effect contribute to the eye appeal of this 1886 Three Dollar...More >>>
1887 $3 (1887 Three Dollar Gold) NGC PF63 CAMEO. Proof Three Dollar Gold. Like all well-made proof coins this rare, three-dollar proof specimen is boldly struck...More >>>