The offered 1862 $3 is a memorable satiny gem with exquisite eye appeal. The surfaces display deep sunset-orange iridescence tempered with soft olive in the fields and rose-gold in the protected areas. Die striae are present on both sides as usually seen in Mint State examples of the date. The strike is sharp throughout from a heavily polished obverse die. The front line of Liberty’s neck is weak, as is the back of her hair just below TY in her headband, and the front of the first ostrich plume is also weak. (This die was earlier described at Bass II:675, October 1999.) We note some tiny marks on Liberty’s cheek just below her eye and a few more ticks in the field near the point of her neck. The reverse die was lapped with the leaf to the viewer’s left of the date all but gone from the die at this point; a trace of die clash is seen in the field above ARS of DOLLARS but there are no marks of any consequence on this side. Definitely one of the most “colorful” coins in the D. Brent Pogue Collection with varied shades of gold, orange, and rose. The 1862 is highly elusive in circulated grades and is a rarity in gem Mint State, despite the suggestion that some 30 to 40 Uncirculated examples are available. Most of those hover in the Mint State-60 to 62 range, and finer than that the date is an extreme challenge to collectors seeking an example. The successful bidder on this lot will capture a treasure.PCGS# 7983. NGC ID: 25MH.
