1888 $3 MS(PCGS#8010)

December 2025 Showcase Auction - The James A. Stack, Sr. Collection Part I

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

22187

Grade

MS67

Price

48,000

Lot Description

An awe-inspiring example with few peers among Mint State 1888 three-dollar pieces evaluated by PCGS. It displays vivid golden-apricot color across boldly lustrous, softy frosted surfaces. The fields are smooth and lightly reflective, faintly contrasting with the sharp design elements. Carefully preserved and free from even trivial blemishes, this is a true "wonder coin" in a circulation strike $3 of this date.<p>Among the most available three-dollar gold issues from the 1880s, the extant population of the 1888 has long provided Mint State coins for collections. The mintage of 5,000 circulation strikes was only nominally smaller than that of the preceding year and it is thought some 350 to 450 examples of the date can be found in Mint State, attesting to the fact that many examples were set aside by dealers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, availability dwindles significantly at and above MS-65. With superior eye appeal to match its exceptional preservation, this premium quality Superb Gem is one of the very finest available to today's discerning gold collectors. We expect strong competition and a strong prices realized for this important offering.