The 1871 is a scarce date in the Three Dollar series with an original mintage of just 1,330 pieces. It is not often found much choicer than MS62 to MS63 and Gems are exceedingly rare with just two known to me; this coin and a PCGS MS67 that last sold in October 1999 (in an MS66 holder) for $41,400 as Bass II: 688.

This lovely prooflike example has enough frost mixed with the reflectiveness to clearly see that this is a business strike. The color is an appealing mustard yellow and the strike is razor sharp and both sides. There are a few wispy hairlines seen on the obverse but this is a no-questions Gem which is the single finest 1871 three dollar gold piece which I have handled.

The only auction record for this date in MS65 is for this exact coin; see below for more information.

With the finest known 1871 business strike three dollar gold piece off the market for the foreseeable future, this is essentially as good as it gets for the date. If this series regains its mojo, this could easily be a $60,000-70,000 coin.

Ex Heritage 2004 ANA: 7238 (as NGC MS65) where it sold for $24,725.