1884 Three-Dollar Gold Piece. MS-61 (PCGS).

A desirable Mint State survivor of this scarce low-mintage issue. The complexion is dramatically prooflike, showcasing reflective fields against more satiny design elements. The pale ivory-gold coloration is accented by subtle hints of peach patina across the high points. Overall smooth with just a few trivial marks visible beneath a glass. Only 1,000 examples of the date were struck, all of those delivered by the coiner on December 13, in time once again for the holiday gift-giving season. In one of those curious twists of numismatics, there are more Mint State examples of this rarity thought to exist today than there are circulated coins. Perhaps only 25 to 35 circulated examples can be located today with any great success, while perhaps 50 to 75 Mint State coins can be traced. In his June 1885 sale of the Stewart Douglas Collection, Harlan P. Smith offered lot 289, a Mint State 1884 $3 that brought face value at the sale. It was not until decades later that the true rarity of the date would be acknowledged in auction catalogs and dealers’ newsletters.

PCGS# 8006. NGC ID: 25N7.

From the Francesca Collection.