Lot 703
Gold Three Dollar. 1873. PCGS graded Proof 62. Closed 3. The Trompeter coin. This is the famous 1873 "dished" closed 3. The obverse appears convex, reverse concave, slightly greater diameter than other dates (21 mm versus 20.6 mm standard). Centers weak as always, evidently as struck. Obverse same as used for 1869-72, with the same rust patches. Reverse, closed 3, low date. Left leaf of date represented only by an isolated tip; terminal tassels unusually attenuated. Areas of die polish make ribbon ends appear incomplete. No extra outlines, dentils well apart.
The present coin is identifiable by a lint mark right of top of the second S in STATES and a faint hairline from the next towards U of UNITED. The surfaces are highly reflective, while the devices shine with satiny elegance. PCGS has only graded 2 coins this high, with none graded higher. In fact, only 5 of these closed 3s have been graded, all in lower grades of Proof.
Actual mintage is unknown, but PCGS speculates that about 100 were struck, although that seems a bit agressive if only 5 have been graded in Proof. One of the classic rarities of the $3 series and worthy of the finest collection.
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