CONDITIONALLY SCARCE NGC/CAC MS64 1860 THREE DOLLARS

In grades through MS63, the 1860 is available but it is genuinely scarce in properly graded MS64 and very rare in Gem. There are two 1860 threes which stand out as being the best known for the issue: the record-setting PCGS/CAC MS67 now owned by DL Hansen (ex HA 2014 FUN: 5384 at $114,563), and the PCGS MS67+ sold as Stack’s Bowers 2/2016: 3100 at $91,063.

This is a truly attractive example for the date and grade. It is what I call an “arm’s length Gem,” as at first glimpse it looks like an MS65 or finer coin. Closer inspection revels a small mint-made planchet void in the upper right obverse field, plus a few shallow scuffs in the left obverse. The luster and color are outstanding with thick, unadulterated frost seen on both sides. The color is a rich yellow gold and it is completely natural with no signs of adulteration. In my opinion, the overall eye appeal of the high-end 1860 $3 is excellent.

In May 2024, an NGC MS64 without CAC verification sold for $18,000 in a Heritage auction. Only two CAC approved 1860 threes in MS64 have ever sold at auction, with the most recent APR at $22,913 for an MS64+ sold by Legend Auctions in May 2022.

This coin would work well as a type coin or as a representative of this date in a high quality date set.

CAC has approved 11 in this grade with three finer. In my opinion, the number of coins approved in MS64 seem inflated by resubmissions.

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