1879 Three-Dollar Gold Piece. MS-65 (PCGS). CMQ. A vivid and breathtakingly beautiful example of this normally highly elusive late date three-dollar gold issue. Dressed in even reddish-gold, both sides also display intermingled orange and apricot colors as the surfaces rotate under a light. The devices are sharply struck, frosty, and contrast appreciably with semi-reflective fields. There are no blemishes of note, and both the quality and eye appeal are superior for this conditionally challenged issue.The 30 additional pieces reported by Chapman are Proofs.<p>Perhaps as many as 500 Mint State 1879 threes have survived, along with approximately 200 (lightly) circulated examples that can almost certainly be explained as mishandled collector pieces or coins that acquired light rub through bank transfers and inventory practices. In Gem Mint State, however, this issue is a rarity as precious few have had the benefit of expert numismatic stewardship since the time of issue.<p> PCGS# 8001. NGC ID: 25N2. PCGS Population: 44; 11 finer (MS-67 finest). From Heritages ANA Signature Auction of March 2016, lot 5054.
