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 Libertys cheek, the coin is virtually free of surface blemishes. There is a trace of wear on the high points, consistent with the grade. The strike is strong on the reverse with slight weakness noted in Libertys hair on the obverse. It is encapsulated by PGCS in an OGH holder.

The three dollar gold pieces were designed by James Barton Longacre and issued from 1854 to 1889. The obverse shows a Caucasian bust of Liberty with long hair facing left, wearing a stylized Native American headdress. She is surrounded by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. The reverse shows an open wreath of cotton, corn, and oak leaves tied with a ribbon.

Researchers have speculated as to why the government chose to create a three dollar coin. Some suggest it was so the public could easily purchase sheets of one hundred three cent stamps. Later they could have been used to purchase three cent coins.

With an original mintage of only 4,850, the coin is rare in all grades. The PCGS population report shows 285 coins certified in all grades.