1857-S Three-Dollar Gold Piece. AU-58 (PCGS). CAC. This is a lovely and rare premium near-Mint quality example of an elusive, conditionally challenging early San Francisco Mint gold issue. Pretty reddish-apricot iridescence mingles with warmer golden-orange patina on both sides. The strike is sharp throughout, although the date is weak as always seen; it was impressed lightly into the die from left to right with the 7 the heaviest of the numerals. Ample luster remains, and the surfaces are pleasingly smooth for the assigned grade with superior eye appeal that will please even the most discerning three-dollar gold enthusiast.<p>Of the 14,250 coins struck of the 1857-S $3, nearly every piece experienced some degree of circulation in the hustle-bustle California economy of the mid 19th century. It is estimated that 160 to 225 survive, usually VF to EF, with AU examples such as this considered rare. It is estimated that fewer than a half dozen true Mint State 1857-S three-dollar gold pieces can be accounted for today, confirming the significance of this attractive, upper end AU-58 with coveted CAC approval.<p> PCGS# 7977. NGC ID: 25MB. PCGS Population: 13; 11 finer (MS-67 finest).<p>CAC Population: 14 in all AU grades; 1 in all Mint State grades. From the Collection of Richard Evans Norton (1872-1946).
