Lot 1413
1866 $3 Gold. PCGS graded MS-66. Here is a blazer! A superb well struck gem exhibiting a mixture of satiny and semi prooflike surfaces. Mintage of only 4000. The 1866 $3 gold coin, of which a minuscule few thousand circulation strikes were made, is another entry in the list of classic rarities from this decade. We estimate no more than 150 to 200 circulated pieces exist, to which can be added 25 to 40 in Mint condition. Among the Mint State survivors this is by far of the finest certified, earning an impressive Mint State 66 designation from PCGS (serial #21726156). Two known in this grade. It would be impossible to imagine even one more like it. Impossible it would be to expect one finer! A coin bearing such credentials as this makes us hold our breath to reflect how remarkable the coin really is. If ever a buyer seeking a "trophy" coin should want to pounce, this is the coin he'd choose. Many will be attracted by its high grade, rarity, and beauty. This offering translates into a remarkable opportunity! Pop 2; none finer at either service. Tied for finest known business strike (PCGS # 7987) .
The year 1866: The first big cattle drive took place this year as "cow-boys" as they were called drove 260,000 head from Texas to the meat packing plants of Kansas, Missouri, and Iowa. In the next 20 years, between 4 and 8 million cattle were driven north. This practice was hotly opposed by Indians and farmers who lived en route, and many battles took place. (After Philip Armour opened his meat packing plant in Chicago after the Civil War, cattle could be sold to northern markets for as much as $40 per head, making it potentially profitable for cattle, particularly from Texas, to be herded long distances to market.).
Estimated Value $45,000 - 50,000.
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| Realized $40,250 |
