Lot 854
1873 $3 Gold. Closed 3. ANACS graded VF-30. The story behind the 1873 closed 3 is fascinating. Dies for each denomination were prepared using the "closed 3", and these were examined by Chief Coiner Archibald Loudon Snowden, and on January 18, 1873 he alleged that the final digit could easily be mistaken for an 8. The Director of the Mint ordered William Barber's engraving department to prepare a new set of date logotypes using an open 3 and new working dies for all denominations.
Apparently, a few closed 3 three dollar gold pieces were struck prior to the dies being replaced, most of which are in grades for Fine to Extremely Fine, and showing substantial proof surface in the fields. This is such a coin, the surfaces are of those of a circulated proof. No record remains of the number coined, but it was obviously very few indeed. Perhaps 100 exist in all grades, most of which entered circulation for a time. Nice surfaces for the grade, and lightly cleaned some time in the past (not enough so to keep it out of the ANACS holder). One of the rarest dates in the three dollar gold series.
Estimated Value $2,300 - 2,500.
Probably from Superior Stamp & Coin sale, September 22, 1998, lot 2017.
|
| |
| Realized $3,278 |
