Lot 1538
1854-D $3 Gold. NGC graded AU-53 PQ. Nicely toned with traces of mint luster peeking thru near the devices. Very few coins struck. Always popular as the only Dahlonega $3.00 gold coin. In light of the fact it would be difficult to picture a more desirable $3 gold coin than the 1854-D three dollar, this again being the only issue struck at the Dahlonega mint. It has an very low mintage of 1,120 pieces, few of which are extant in the 21st century. As a consequence, it has several levels of interest (including its fine provenance) that may be attractive to Dahlonega gold coin collectors. This is a lovely example and is Premium Quality for the given grade.
This piece shows a normal strike for the issue, that is, uneven in some areas especially affecting the hair and the rim denticles which for a large part are weak or missing; however that said, it is finer detailed than nine out of ten competing 1854-D three dollar gold pieces seen in the upper tranches of the grading scale. On the obverse, the rim definition is weak from 12 to 3 o'clock, then it strengthens a little at the 6 to 11 o'clock curve. Liberty's hair waves shows flatness but with nice delineation of the curls below the ear and the headdress is very acceptable. The reverse has less softness at the denticles, many areas are sharp. The date and mintmark show boldly, which is always advantageous for this rarity. On both sides there are a couple of very minor ticks noted, none of which are out of the ordinary. With demand for the rare American gold dates increasing monthly, we would be surprised if the ex John Pittman coin doesn't sets an auction high for the grade at this sale! Pop 8; 52 finer. (PCGS # 7970) .
Estimated Value $35,000 - 40,000.
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| Realized $34,500 |
