1862 Three Dollars Gold (1862 $3) NGC AU53. From an original mintage of just 5,750 coins comes this lightly circulated Civil War dated gold piece. With its original surfaces and excellent eye-appeal, this coin will please every buyer of original gold coins from the American Civil War era. Scarce in all grades, this issue becomes rare in About Uncirculated condition and is very seldom encountered in uncirculated condition. Yet, because of the general lack of collectors at the present of this unusual denomination, examples are relatively available, even at the grade level we presently offer. Designed by James B. Longacre, this denomination was seldom encountered in circulated in the second half of the 19th century. Unpopular with the contemporary public, the Mint continued to strike this denomination, mostly for collectors, until 1889, but by then a whole generation had grown up without seeing this denomination in circulation.

The present piece is lightly circulated, with luster still visible in the protected fields. The highest points show some moderate wear, but this adds to the effect of this fully original coin. Sharply impressed, most of the details remain visible, including a good part of the hair detail of Liberty on the obverse. Some darker toning is seen around the lettering on both sides, and adds to the excellent eye-appeal of the present piece. The fields are toned to a khaki-yellow gold color. Some minor marks are noted from circulation, but none are major and those seen are normal for this grade. Struck during the second year of the American Civil War, this piece is a survivor of those turbulent times in American history and will please its buyer. This coin has been certified by NGC in a new holder.