1858 Silver Three-Cent Piece. Proof-66 (NGC).
The beautiful surfaces of this Gem silver three-cent piece are dressed in vivid iridescent toning that is most vivid and varied in colors around the obverse periphery. It is a fully struck, expertly preserved specimen that ranks among the finest survivors of this challenging early Proof issue. In 1858 the United States Mint marketed Proof coins to the general public for the first time. In keeping with the practice from earlier years, however, the mintage for the individual Proof issues was not recorded. (The following year would see the first reporting of Proof mintages for gold and silver coins.) Approximately 210 silver three-cent pieces were struck in 1858 for distribution with the year's silver Proof sets. Additional pieces were almost certainly produced for individual sale, and the total mintage for this issue is likely on the order of 300 pieces. The number of Proof sets prepared proved optimistic, however, and many failed to find buyers. With approximately 100 Proof 1858 silver three-cent pieces extant, we find it difficult to believe that more than 150 pieces were actually sold to contemporary collectors. Those that were not were retained in the Mint until released into circulation in later years. In addition to its absolute rarity, the coin offered here possesses noteworthy condition rarity. Most survivors of early silver Proof coinage from the 1850s and 1860s are impaired from repeated cleanings at the hands of earlier numismatists. Nearly as pristine as the day it was struck, and originally preserved, this upper end Gem will please even the most discerning of today's quality conscious collectors.
PCGS# 3705. NGC ID: 27C5.
NGC Census: 17; 6 finer in this category (Proof-68 finest).