This beautiful 1859 $3 is a satiny deep orange-gold specimen with prooflike reflectivity present to a small degree and with abundant lively olive and yellow iridescence. Diagonal die striae, normal for the issue and signifying an early strike, engage both sides of this boldly lustrous $3, one of the finest survivors from a mintage of 15,589 pieces, the last time in the series that a mintage would exceed 10,000 pieces until 1874. The strike is nearly full with only trace weakness at the tops of the ostrich plumes and in the reverse bow and the wreath immediately right of the bow. Light clash marks are noted on both sides. Marks are minimal and only found with diligence and a loupe. On the obverse we see a small horizontal mark near Liberty’s earlobe and a tiny mark just past the final S of STATES. On the flip side, a tiny horizontal mark can be seen at 9:00 in the field with just the right light exposure. This is the variety with repunched 18 in date (Breen-6362). An absolutely lovely example of a date that has proven to be elusive in Mint State over the years. PCGS# 7979. NGC ID: 25MD.
