1854-D Three-Dollar Gold Piece. Winter 1-A, the only known dies. AU-50 (PCGS). Here is a noteworthy condition rarity to represent this key date three-dollar gold issue, the only one from the Dahlonega Mint. Handsome olive-orange surfaces are enhanced by intermingled blushes of reddish-rose patina. Examples of this issue are never fully struck, although this piece exhibits uncommonly sharp definition at the borders, where much of the denticulation is present. The high points are a bit soft, however, due to a combination of strike and light rub. The major design elements are still very bold for an issue that, when offered at all, tends to be in lower circulated grades such as VF and EF. Faint traces of frosty luster persist, and the surfaces are free of sizable marks and have a pleasingly smooth appearance.The mintage for this first year of issue was just 1,120 pieces, and only about 300 remain today. The majority exhibit considerable wear, as above, and many are also impaired due to cleaning, surface damage, and other problems. Mint State pieces are virtually unobtainable, thus even advanced collectors assembling date and mint sets are pressed to buy this particular issue in circulated grades. At the AU level the 1854-D has always been in strong demand. Only the most aggressive bids will secure this prize. PCGS# 7970. NGC ID: 25M4.
