Lot 1537
1854-D $3 Gold. NGC graded AU-55. Always in great demand as the only Dahlonega Mint $3.00 gold coin. Only 1120 struck. Here is a lovely, problem-free example, well struck with some luster still evident within the protected areas and all a lovely organish color gold. This coin can have few peers. The question is open, but only a handful of coins that were saved long ago meet the rigid standard for About Uncirculated 55 condition. Typical of most examples of the 1854-D, the present piece has limited definition on some of the denticles on either side, particularly this is noticeable at the top and sides, and some lightness elsewhere. Although the present piece is in a confining plastic holder, there is little doubt if it were removed it would show only faint reeding at the top of the coin, this being another feature of the Dahlonega dated threes.
For decades, rare coin collectors have searched the attics and bourse floors for the elusive 1854-D three. They began to be appreciated once collecting began by date and mint in the 1890s. Today, with all the information that is available somewhere around a hundred examples are known. As always, the date is very boldly impressed into the die (there being but a single die combination used to strike the entire year's coinage). The shaft of the 1 is shifted farther to the right than on the 1854 Philadelphia coins, and is situated mostly under the right curve of O (DOLLARS). The mintmark sits high in its space under the ribbon bow. Pop 13; 39 finer (PCGS # 7970) .
Estimated Value $40,000 - 45,000.
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| Realized $41,400 |
