Lot 1054
1876 $3 Gold. NGC graded Proof 64 Cameo. Well struck and untoned. A total of 45 struck all in proof. Popular key date. The Proof-only status of the 1876 three-dollar gold piece has earned it much fame over the decades. Its rarity is guaranteed by the aforesaid mintage of just 45 coins. While collectors must allow for some doubling-up in arriving at the true number of certified 1876 threes, it seems that no more than 25-30 pieces are in existence today. The population of unimpeachable, choice to gem examples, however, is much subordinate to this figure, since as many as a dozen have been thoughtlessly cleaned or even used as pocket pieces.
This handsome Proof 64 has conspicuous two-tone qualities between the fields and devices and there is a nice "halo" effect surrounding the head of Liberty, the result of slight granularity in the fields seen on most 1876 threes. A few thin hairlines runs along the surface on both sides, but these are mainly there to keep the graders employed and happy, since the coin is, by and large, close to Gem quality. These few hairlines being the extent of the blemishes which prevent a full gem grade, the coin represents a wonderful, even a stunning example of this rarely offered, key date three-dollar issue. Pop 15; 6 finer.
Estimated Value $40,000 - 45,000.
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| Realized $46,000 |
