1885 $3, CAM PR(PCGS#88049)

1885 $3, CAM PR (PCGS#88049)

The March 2011 Baltimore Auction

Description du lot: 1885 Three-Dollar Gold Piece. Proof-67 Cameo (NGC). CAC. One of the true "magic" dates in the Three-Dollar gold series, the 1885 has limited mintages of only 801 business strikes and 109 proofs. Fewer than 100 of the proofs are believed extant -- perhaps as few as 70-75 pieces -- and in addition to being important rarities in their own right these coins enjoy heightened demand among Three-Dollar gold date collectors due to the aforementioned low-mintage status of the year's business strike issue.<br />     This is a Condition Census #1 Superb Gem, a status it shares with only three other Proof-67 Cameo examples listed at NGC. Drenched in vivid orange-gold color, both sides are fully struck with the devices also possessed of a pronounced satin-to-frosty texture. For the fields, however, we note deep mirrored reflectivity that, under closer scrutiny with a loupe, also features the distinct "orange-peel" texture that proof gold collectors find so appealing. There are no detracting contact marks, and the eye appeal is nothing short of breathtaking.