1857-S Three-Dollar Gold Piece. AU-58 (PCGS). Lovely and rare near-Mint quality for this elusive, conditionally challenging early San Francisco Mint issue. Subtle pinkish-rose iridescence mingles with warmer golden-honey color 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, the surfaces 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 struck, nearly every piece experienced some degree of circulation in the hustle-bustle California economy of the 1850s an 1860s. Indeed, only 160 to 225 survived such commercial use, usually VF to EF, with AU examples such as this considered rare. It is estimated that fewer than a half dozen true Mint State examples of the 1857-S can be accounted for today, which fact further confirms the significance of this attractive AU-58. PCGS# 7977. NGC ID: 25MB. PCGS Population: 12; 11 finer (MS-67 finest). From the George Schwenk Collection.
