Lot 3274
1889 $3 Gold. PCGS graded Proof 63. Lovely rich golden toning on both sides. Only 129 proofs struck. A glittering golden $3 Proof of impressive quality and oceans of eye appeal. With so few Proof strikes of the date produced, it stands to reason these are in high regard. Proofs back then were routinely acquired by speculators (as well as a small group of wealthy collectors), yet nearly all acquired extensive hairlines in after years. In fact, a dramatic indication of the present day elusive quality of this piece in choice Proof can be found in the relatively low census figure: Pop 13; 47 finer (PCGS # 8053) .
Known as the $3 Indian Princess issue, these lovely coins combine a unique design with exceptional scarcity and heightened collector demand. As most have low mintage, they offer superb value to gold investors. The $3 denomination was minted from 1854 to 1889. Its supposed reason for existence was to allow the public to buy 3-cent postage stamps in packets of 100 (which, of course, only a few people did). The obverse design features the profile of Liberty as a stylized Indian princess crowned with a tiara of feathers, containing the inscription LIBERTY on the headband. The reverse depicts a wreath by the mint engraver James Longacre comprising American agricultural crops of tobacco, wheat, corn, and cotton.
Estimated Value $8,000 - 8,500.
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| Realized $10,120 |
