$3 Gold

Lot 810
1854. PCGS graded MS-63. A Premium Quality example, rich with golden mint luster and a hint of natural orange tone. Popular first year as well as a single year type.
Estimated Value $3,500-4,500.

Lot 811
1854. PCGS graded MS-63. A beautiful example of this, the first year of issue. Coppery toning enhances the devices and the fields retain all of the original luster. The strike is sharp, and the surfaces show only a few ticks from handling. Mintage started with a bang in 1854, a total of 138,618 were coined to introduce the nation to this new denomination (used to purchase 100 stamps in a sheet). After 1854, subsequent mintages dropped never reaching 100,000 coins in any given year.
Estimated Value $3,000-3,500.

Lot 812
1854. NGC graded AU-53.
Estimated Value $650-700.

Lot 813
1854. Although designated "Cleaned" on the holder, this coin has excellent eye-appeal with remarkably clean surfaces. ANACS graded Unc Details - Net Mint State 60.
Estimated Value $900-1,000.

EXTREMELY RARE 1854-D PCGS GRADED MINT STATE-60

Lot 814
1854-D. PCGS graded MS-60. Here is an American classic, the 1854-D Three Dollar Gold piece. Only 1,120 were coined, and most circulated into low grades. It is likely that only a few hundred survive. This date is virtually impossible to locate in full mint state. PCGS has only graded 2 coins as such, this piece and one other in Mint State 62. NGC has similar numbers, with 2 coins graded as Mint State 60, and one graded Mint State 61. It is probable that some of these reported grades may be crossovers or other attempts at a higher grade representing only a couple of coins. Regardless, this is clearly one of the Finest Known specimens of the date, certainly in the top six known. Furthermore, this is the Breen plate coin, used in his wonderful Encyclopedia, with a small identifying mark in the right obverse field. The obverse dentils are weak along the upper portions, diagnostic to this date, and the leaf left of the date is also weak, from die lapping, further confirming that this piece is indeed genuine and not some sort of added mintmark or other alteration. Collectors can bid secure in the knowledge that this coin is original, and have the further assurance of the PCGS blessing of a Mint State 60 grade.
The D mintmark is quite large, apparently it was used to produce half eagles. The reverse die shows 2 or more clash marks, with Liberty's head outlined within the reverse wreath. On the obverse, minor clash marks are noted extending up near to Liberty's neck, probably from the wreath on the reverse. The fields possess frosty luster and the devices are well struck on the obverse and reverse. We note that the upper curl on Liberty's head is a bit weak, as well as the high curl over her ear. As to the identifying mark in the right obverse field, it is a fairly heavy dig midway in the field under ER of AMERICA. To the unaided eye, this is minor, but does show clearly with a glass. On the reverse, there are no problems aside from typical handling marks expected on a coin of this era.
This is the rarest regular issue $3 date, and the most valuable. Only the proof only 1875 is more costly, aside from the unique 1870-S. We expect spirited bidding when this important rarity, the 1854-D in Mint State 60, crosses the block.
As Congress had passed into law this curious denomination in 1853, dies were prepared for the new denomination for coining in 1854. It was believed that these coins could be used to purchase sheets of stamps, with standard postage being 3¢, logic followed that a $3 coin would be useful in circulation. Philadelphia coined 138,618 in 1854, while New Orleans coined 24,000. Dahlonega, on the other hand, only produced 1,120, and never coined another $3 after this small issue. Most, of course, circulated widely and are found in a variety of lower grades. The denomination limped along through 1889, and was formally retired in 1890.
Estimated Value $60,000-UP.

Lot 815
1854-O. NGC graded AU-53. Only 24,000 struck for circulation, most of which didn't survive the first ten years after their manufacture. Light coppery toning enhances the devices, and some luster is noted in the fields. Well struck from an early die state, with full details on all the important devices. A coin for the date collector.
Estimated Value $2,000-3,000.

Lot 816
1854-O. Sharpness of AU-50. Holed and expertly repaired at 12 o'clock. The overall appearance is quite nice and without the aid of magnification, this looks like a very high grade example.
Estimated Value $500-750.

Lot 817
1854-O. PCGS graded EF-40. One of challenging dates in this popular series that is seldom found in such original, untouched condition. Hints of luster cling near the lettering and devices, while the strike is typical of the lapped die pairing seen (Breen #6349). A touch weak on the 5 of the date, but it is clear even to the unaided eye. Only 24,000 were struck of this date, most of which didn't survive the Civil War, and few today are found in nice collector grades such as offered here. Seldom found better, if found at all, and usually offered at a much higher price. Housed in the old style PCGS holder, making this another candidate for a possible upgrade. Clean, original surfaces, unlike most three dollar gold pieces seen these days.
Estimated Value $1,100-1,300.

Lot 818
1855. NGC graded AU-50. Problem free for the grade.
Estimated Value $650-700.

Lot 819
1855. PCGS graded EF-45. A lovely coin for the grade that boasts glowing luster around the periphery and choice coppery toning. Sharply impressed by the dies, and housed in the old style PCGS holder. A coin that will probably be resubmitted for a possible higher grade, as there is little wear on the highest devices, and the luster present would imply a higher grade.
Estimated Value $550-650.

Lot 820
1855-S. PCGS graded EF-40. Here is one of the early "tough" dates of three dollar gold pieces. Only 6,600 were struck, many of which were made after the single pair of dies used had clashed. Not so here, this is an early die state, and because of this, all the devices are sharply defined. The color ranges from the usual greenish-gold to a pure gold color, which is further enhanced by the traces of luster. Minor handling marks, as expected for the grade, but an excellent eye appealing coin that will enhance a high grade date collection. Housed in the old style PCGS holder, and held off the market in a specialized date collection for many years.
Estimated Value $1,400-1,600.

Lot 821
1856. AU-55. Frosty luster throughout and well struck. Moderate handling marks from brief circulation.
Estimated Value $750-850.

Lot 822
1856. EF-40. Substantial luster remains in the fields and the coin is very well struck. Perfect for the type collector.
Estimated Value $450-550.
From Superior Galleries sale, June 2-3, 1986, lot 1859.

Lot 823
1856-S. AU-50. A rosey golden color with plenty of mint luster to justify this lofty grade. We note a fine scratch before Liberty's nose and some minor rim nicks. Still, a very scarce issue in grades above Very Fine.
Estimated Value $1,250-1,500.

Lot 824
1856-S. PCGS graded EF-45. Another coin that is housed in the old style small PCGS holder with the blue paper insert. Some luster in the protected areas, and clean surfaces. Another possible upgrade? Bid accordingly.
Estimated Value $800-900.

Lot 825
1856-S. EF-40. Medium "S" reverse, with a tiny die break below the second L of DOLLAR (as noted in Breen). Moderate handling marks and well preserved for this issue, which is tough to find this nice. One for the collector.
Estimated Value $650-750.
From Superior Galleries sale, June 2-3, 1986, lot 1860.

Lot 826
1857. NGC graded AU-55. This is the rare "broken I's" obverse as noted in Breen's Encyclopedia. Moderate handling marks from brief circulation, but with lovely coppery toning on both sides. An important coin for the specialist of the series.
Estimated Value $850-950.

Lot 827
1857. EF-45. Nice for the grade, with some luster in the fields and well struck devices. Minor hairlines are noted.
Estimated Value $550-650.

Lot 828
1857-S. PCGS graded EF-45. Another old style PCGS holder, smaller and with the blue paper insert with tattered edges, from back in the days of early computer printers. Surfaces of a higher grade, and well balanced with ample luster to tease the eye. An impressive example of this moderately scarce date. Another upgrade opportunity.
Estimated Value $1,200-1,400.

Lot 829
1858. PCGS graded AU-53. As Breen notes, "very rare above AU" making this one of the better ones to survive. Only 2,133 were struck. Clean surfaces which show little wear, and no unusual signs of handling or abuse. One for the date collector.
Estimated Value $1,800-2,000.

Lot 830
1858. PCGS graded EF-40. A few minor field ticks, but very original, with well struck devices and some luster in the fields.
Estimated Value $950-1,150.

Lot 831
1859. PCGS graded MS-62. Choice for the grade with greenish-gold toning around the periphery. The fields show moderate hairlines which are very shallow and not all that important, given that fact that virtually every coin we see--including gems--have these to some degree. Well struck and appealing in every way.
Estimated Value $2,600-2,800.

Lot 832
1859. MS-60. Flashy and bright, this sparkler boasts a clean cheek on Liberty and abudant eye appeal. Well struck and certain to please the date collector.
Estimated Value $1,750-2,000.

GEM PROOF 1860 $3 GOLD

Lot 833
1860. PCGS graded Proof 64. The mirror fields possess a gentle gold tone with hints of original copper colors starting to settle in. Naturally, the strike is superb, with every detail full and complete. As to the mintage, it was pretty small, only 119 were coined in Proof. Of those, many were spent or otherwise mishandled. Few escaped in decent condition, PCGS has only graded 7 this high, with just 2 graded higher according to their July 2000 Population Report. We note a small planchet void below the N of UNITED, and a couple of minor tick marks nest in that area. Certainly one of the finest to survive from the meager mintage, and well worth a careful look to determine a proper bid.
Proof gold coinage has always been one of the most elite collections undertaken by serious numismatists. Coins are seldom available, and mintage were tiny, so "selection" is a word that is rarely used when purchasing a date for a collection. It may be years before another example is offered of a particular date and denomination, and the grades are as random as the coins. Many of the Proof gold coins we see are from prominent collections, which often trace to other prominent collections, and the same coins go from collector to collector through the decades. Therefore, when a splendid near-gem proof 1860 $3 gold piece appears, we want everyone to wake up and take notice, for this opportunity may not soon be repeated.
Estimated Value $14,000-16,000.

Lot 834
1860. AU-55. A bright, flashy original coin that is sharply struck. However, there are some very faint scratches around the reverse periphery. Only 7,155 struck in all, making this one of the challenging dates to locate in high grade.
Estimated Value $900-1,100.