Lot 2340
1854 $3 Gold. PCGS graded Proof 63 Cameo. PCGS holder number 05944935. A georgeous choice proof displaying rich greenish-golden surfaces throughout. Extremely rare in Proof. In its last auction appearance in a January 2007 Heritage sale, the cataloger described the surface condition as follows: "The present example offers luscious orange-gold fields with considerable contrast present. The S in STATES is lower than the E, without the deeply impressed lettering characteristic of the other Proof die. A couple of light scrapes are noted on Liberty's cheek, and a couple of dark toning spots on the obverse: one in back of the eye, and one behind the headdress. On the reverse a similar dark spot occurs at the bottom of the 1, and a patch of light yellow-gold patina is noted through DO in DOLLARS. A delectable early Proof example of this historic and unusual denomination."
It appears two different pairs of Proof dies were used to strike Proofs in 1854. One has the ES in STATES on a level curve, and the lettering is deeply impressed into the die. On this piece from the second die, the S is slightly lower than the E, with the lettering not as deep. Although the exact number of Proof 1854 $3 survivors remains to be enumerated, there is no doubt that this issue is exceedingly rare. In fact, this is the finest specimen that we have been privileged to offer. Pop 2; 2 finer in 64 (PCGS # 88017) .
Estimated Value $80,000 - 90,000.
Ex Dr. Robert J. Loewinger Collection.
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| Realized $97,750 |
