Lot 1271
1885. PCGS graded Proof 67. CAC Approved. Medium mirrors and superb nearly flawless surfaces. Housed in an Old Green Holder. Only 3,790 struck. Chief Engraver James B. Longacre was assigned the task of designing the nickel three-cent piece, and he wasted little time in doing so once congress passed the authorizing legislation in 1865. The head was taken from an unadopted cent design of 1857; it also had been used on a quarter eagle pattern of 1860. Longacre was partial to this head of Liberty and persuaded Mint Director Pollock to support it as well. The final decision was made by Treasury Secretary Hugh McCulloch and the president. The new coin was an instant hit with the citizenry, and mintage was relatively large during the rest of 1865 and well into 1866; during 1867 and 1868 there still was a substantial coinage, but after that the public lost interest and striking declined. Proofs were made every year, 1865 to 1889, after which the denomination was abolished by the Coinage Act of 1890. Strong interest in the Proofs has grown by leaps and bounds over the past 20 to 30 years. Although the coinage of three cent pieces was reasonably heavy in Proof, only few survive in this outstanding condition. Pop 31; 1 finer in 68. (PCGS # 3781) Estimated Value $800 - 1,000
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| Realized $1,208 |
