1860 $3 MS(PCGS#7980)

Spring 2026 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

8046

Grade

AU58

Price

4,800

Lot Description

Attractive surfaces exhibit subtle pinkish iridescence to dominant medium gold color. This is a boldly to sharply defined Choice AU example that also retains much of the frosty to semi-reflective finish imparted by the dies. A noncontiguous scratch at right-central reverse is noted for accuracy, although easily overlooked during in-hand viewing. Survivors from a limited mintage of 7,036 circulation strikes number only a few hundred coins, which estimate confirms the 1860 as a scarce three-dollar gold issue. Most extant examples are worn, likely from circulation on the West Coast since gold coins disappeared from commerce in the East and Midwest early in the Civil War. Given the rarity of Mint State survivors, this flashy AU-58 certified by PCGS represents about the finest in quality that is realistically obtainable for most of today's advanced gold enthusiasts.