1860 $3 MS(PCGS#7980)

1860 $3 MS (PCGS#7980)

March 2021 U.S. Coins Auction

Lot Description: Choice 1860 Three-Dollar Gold Piece 1860 Three-Dollar Gold Piece. MS-64 (PCGS). CAC. Subtle prooflike reflectivity shimmers across the fields of this exceptional piece, framing more richly frosted luster across the design elements. Well struck and impressively smooth beneath a glass, the complexion reveals shades of golden-wheat and olive upon intimate inspection. A truly captivating jewel. The Philadelphia Mint delivered 7,036 three-dollar gold coins for commercial use in 1860, many of which were likely melted after Northern banks suspended gold specie payments in December 1861. Several hundred circulated survivors are known, however, these almost certainly seeing commercial use on the West Coast, where gold remained in circulation throughout the Civil War and Reconstruction eras. Uncirculated examples are far rarer, most surviving as a matter of chance. Perhaps fewer than 150 examples of the date can be called Mint State today, most in Mint State-60 to 62, and a only few more can be called Choice. Among the finer 1860 threes that we have handled in recent years, this endearing Near-Gem is a significant opportunity. Just 5 coins have been graded finer by PCGS. PCGS Population: 18; 5 finer. PCGS# 7980. NGC ID: 25ME. Click here for certification details from PCGS. Image with the PCGS TrueView logo is obtained from and is subject to a license agreement with Collectors Universe, Inc. and its divisions PCGS and PSA.