Lot 1418
1876 $3 Gold. PCGS graded Proof 65 Deep Cameo. A dazzling gem Proof whose deep mirror surfaces are enhanced in a welcoming way by the lovely delicate golden sunset toning. In our Ohringer Part II Sale, Sept. 2008, lot 1240, an 1876 in PCGS Proof 65 Cameo realized $92,000. This example is finer and has the "DCAM" designation. Only 45 reported struck for this proof only year.
The Proof-only 1876 $3 gold piece is made famous by its low mintage and similarly low survival, with possibly as few as 25 to 30 believed extant. It is in the company of several other distinguished rare Proof dates in the $3 series including the Proofs of 1861, 1874, and 1878, but with the proviso that these other issues are not the desirable Proof-only years.
Point your vision in the direction indicated and enjoy the beauty of this remarkable coin as we guide you step by step through its endless virtues: Glowing luster with crisp definition and exceptionally clean surfaces. Strong cameo contrast on both sides. Identifiable by a tiny flake a little distance below the D in UNITED and another tiny imperfection above the 8 in the date, both of which are inconsequential. Definitely, a premium example of the grade. In fact, the defining Cameo Proof 65 $3 gold coin! Adding to those results, a further word about strike: this piece has needle-sharp devices, with impressive detail on the headband "pears," as they are sometimes called (the feathered headdress itself), with all hair waves complete, and throughout the Wreath of Cereals made famous in American numismatics by the artist and mint engraver who created it, James B. Longacre.
A thin veil of toning is seen on both sides. Among the most massively attractive Gem Cameo Proof 1876 three-dollar gold pieces that bidders will ever see presented for sale. Pop 4; 1 finer in 66 (PCGS # 98040) .
Estimated Value $90,000 - 100,000.
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| Realized $86,250 |
