CONDITION CENSUS 1857 THREE DOLLAR GOLD

The 1857 Three Dollar is not especially scarce in the lowest Uncirculated grades but it is scarce in MS63, quite rare in properly graded MS64 and extremely rare in Gem. The finest known is a PCGS MS66 in the Simpson Collection.

This borderline Gem was struck from noticeably clashed dies and it show the mint-made die finishing lines on the obverse which give this date a unique appearance in the series. Both sides are satiny and show nice light rose and green-gold color over very clean surfaces. In fact, were it not for a few small contact marks on the reverse, this piece may well have graded a full MS65.

Only one MS64 has sold at auction since 2009 and it realized $14,100 as Heritage 2015: 4318; the coin was graded by PCGS. The Pogue III: 3096 coin coin was grade MS65+ by PCGS and it sold for $35,250.

If available, a Gem would cost at least double the amount of this piece which is the only 1857 Three Dollar graded MS64+ by either service.

CAC has approved two in this grade (this is the only 64+) with three finer.