1854-D Three-Dollar Gold Piece. Winter 1-A, the only known dies. AU-55 (PCGS). CAC. This thoroughly PQ example represents a significant find for the discerning Southern gold collector or numismatist specializing in the challenging three-dollar gold series. It is an uncommonly original, exceptionally attractive Choice AU bathed in rich, deep colors of honey-rose and orange-gold. The strike is well above average for the issue for, while the typical 1854-D is more or less blunt around the borders, this piece sports nearly complete denticulation on both sides. The major design elements are also boldly struck with most features sharp in the absence of all but light friction. Lustrous for the grade with a smooth, satiny texture, the strongest bids are encouraged on the part of collectors seeking to secure this superior quality 1854-D $3.<p>The branch mint at Dahlonega struck 1,120 three-dollar gold pieces in 1854, the first and only year that the facility produced this denomination. The entire production run for this rarity was accomplished in August from one die pair, with most of the mintage passing into circulation. None are known to have been saved purposefully by a numismatist, and not even the curators of the Mint Cabinet showed an interest in obtaining an example. As a result, the typical 1854-D $3 is a well circulated VF coin. Many of the 125 to 175 or so survivors estimated to exist today have been cleaned or otherwise harmed. Any example even approaching Mint State can be considered a truly special coin, especially with attractively original surfaces, as here. PCGS# 7970. NGC ID: 25M4. PCGS Population: 25; 16 finer, just four of which are Mint State (MS-62 finest).<p>CAC Population: 10; 6. From the George Schwenk Collection. Earlier from our sale of the Georgia Gold Rush of Dahlonega Mint Coinage: 1838-1861, Summer 2022 Global Showcase Auction, August, lot 6074.
