VERY RARE PROOF 1872 $3, ex Starr Collection

This is one of only 30 Proofs struck with an estimated 14 to 16 known, including at least two that are impounded in museums.

As many as half of the surviving Proofs of this date are impaired or mishandled and grade no finer than PR63. This example has the naked-eye appearance of a PR63 to PR64, but close examination shows some light hairlines in the left obverse field. These are almost certainly from the coin being improperly handled and not from cleaning. The reverse, on its own, is at least a PR64.

In November 2021, an NGC PR62 1872 Three Dollar gold piece sold for $16,800 while a PCGS PR63CAM brought $20,400 in August 2024.

This coin has been off the market since 1937 and it represents an important opportunity to buy a great piece of Proof gold at a reasonable price point.

Ex Stack’s Bowers 2025 ANA: 3259 where I purchased it for $20,400, ex Floyd Starr Collection and obtained from the 6/1937 Morganthau & Co. sale, Lot 390. Original auction flip is included.

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