1854-D $3 MS(PCGS#7970)

The March 2012 Baltimore Auction

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

4288

Grade

AU55

Price

34,788

Lot Description

1854-D Three-Dollar Gold Piece. AU-55 (NGC). This is one of the key dates to the series as the mintage was so tiny at 1,120 pieces for the year from the Dahlonega Mint. One pair of dies was used and they quickly wore down so the dentils are rarely intact on the struck coins. Satiny yellow-gold throughout with minimal wear and no heavy circulation marks which keeps the eye appeal high. Irregular rims as nearly always seen, although we note a minor rim bump on the lower right reverse below the ribbon end. Given the number of collectors out there who desire a specimen, and how scarce these are, it would seem that a high grade example would entice a number of specialists to review their collections to see if this is the appropriate opportunity to finally land this coveted rarity.