Lot 1424
1880 $3 Gold. NGC graded Proof 65 Cameo. Brilliant gem Proof coin in a new NGC 4 prong holder. This 1880 three dollar gold Proof boasts a limitless virtues on top of a low mintage of 1,000 business strikes and just 36 Proofs. A beautiful premium Gem, it exhibits needle-sharp design details and sleek, reflective fields. A lovely cameo effect is achieved on both obverse and reverse, the result of the inner recesses of the dies being left in their frosted state when the surface of the die (which became the surface of the struck coin) got its mirror polish by the die preparer. The surfaces exhibit dominant brilliant-gold color. There are no vexing contact marks or haziness noted, everything bright and gleaming. Certainly one of the more impressive Gem Proof survivors of this extremely low mintage issue. Pop 3; 2 finer; 1 in 66; 1 in 67. (PCGS # 88044) .
The new $3 denomination was designed by James B. Longacre, who became chief engraver at the Mint in 1844, after the death of Christian Gobrecht. The obverse features the head of an Indian princess, facing left, wearing a feathered headdress upon which is a band inscribed LIBERTY. The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounds. The same motif was later used on the Type III gold dollar 1856-1889. Proofs were made in every year from 1854 to 1889, although it is something of a challenge of Job to acquire a complete set!
Estimated Value $22,000 - 24,000.
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| Realized $25,300 |
