Lot 1774
1868. PCGS graded MS-63. Lovely rich golden toning. Only 4,850 minted. Effusive, or even overgenerous mint frost in amounts so that confirms this coin borders on a possibly higher grade; and warm flaxen-gold to orange-gold color. Clockwork precision seen in the strike, though with minor flatness on the wreath bow. A small mark is noted above the first 8 of the date.
The handsome Longacre first "cereal wreath" which is used on the flying eagle cents, the gold dollars (type 2 and 3) as well as this $3 gold, is comprised of corn, wheat, cotton and tobacco. Longacre’s second wreath, used on numerous pattern coins as well as the half dimes and dimes during his tenure in office, is comprised of cotton, tobacco, sugar cane, corn, wheat and oak leaves. This is the first design of a cereal wreath created by the Mint’s chief engraver, 1844-69. James Longacre passed away the year after this $3 gold piece was issued. Pop 22; 21 finer, 14 in 64, 5 in 65, 2 in 66 (PCGS # 7989) .
Estimated Value $8,000 - 8,500.
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