1887 Indian Princess Gold $3 PCGS PR65 CAM CAC

GEM CAMEO PROOF. The Proof 1887 Three Dollar is rare in all conditions and in its population report, PCGS shows only 6 coins graded in PR65 CAMEO (HOW MANY ARE RESUBMISSIONS?). The CAC (Collectors Acceptance Corporation) population report shows this is the only PR65 received the CAC sticker. The only Proof 65 coin to receive the green sticker!

James Longacre designed the three dollar gold coin using an Indian Princess motif. He had to create a motif that would be distinctly different from the quarter and half eagle coronet designs. The design, similar to his Gold Dollar Large Head, shows a head of Liberty facing left wearing a stylized headdress. Inscribed on the headband is LIBERTY. She is surrounded by the words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

In using the Indian Princess motif, Longacre felt that he was designing something that was uniquely American rather than an adoption from the classics. The reverse shows an open wreath of corn, cotton, wheat, and tobacco tied at the bottom with a bow. The denomination 3 appears at the top center of the wreath, with DOLLARS and the date below within the wreath. Longacre liked the wreath design so much that he adopted it for use on the small cent of 1856.