Lot 1743
1854-D PCGS graded Genuine AU Details. Repaired. Only 1,120 minted. The only Dahlonega Mint $3 Gold coin. The new $3 denomination was designed by James B. Longacre, who became chief engraver at the Mint in 1844, after the death of Christian Gobrecht. The obverse features the head of an Indian princess, facing left, wearing a feathered headdress upon which is a band inscribed LIBERTY. The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounds. The same motif was later used on the Type III gold dollar 1856-1889.
The reverse displays an "agricultural wreath" enclosing 3 DOLLARS and the date. The reverse wreath was later used on the Flying Eagle cents of 1856-1858. As is demonstrated, Longacre liked to copy his own work.
The $3 design was continued without major change from beginning to the end, except that issues of the year 1854 alone have the word DOLLARS in smaller letters than do the pieces from 1855 to 1889.
It would be hard to imagine a more popular 19th century gold coin than the 1854-D three dollar. It is the only issue of this denomination to be produced at the Dahlonega mint, and was struck during the first year of issue for this odd, quirky denomination. Further, it has an extremely low mintage figure of 1,120 pieces. Thus, the date has multiple levels of appeal that attract Dahlonega collectors. One can almost liken it to being the "High Relief of Branch Mint Gold." (PCGS # 7970) .
Estimated Value $5,000-UP.
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| Realized $13,513 |
