No other cabinet in American numismatic history has had such a high percentage of finest-known gems as the D. Brent Pogue Collection. This 1868 $3 is a satiny butterscotch-gold specimen with lively luster and warm olive iridescence. The mintage for the date of 4,850 circulation strikes is somewhat higher than in the previous few years and it is estimated that perhaps 300 to 400 circulation strikes can be accounted for today in all grades. A few dozen Mint State coins are known, but most of those cluster at the Mint State-60 to 62 range; the Pogue specimen is the finest PCGS-certified example of the date. The strike is bold on both sides with the vertical line in the reverse bow nearly complete. In our opinion, the present gem is easily one of the most perfect $3s in the D. Brent Pogue Collection in any grade. The obverse is absolutely without marks of any note, even after prolonged magnified study. The reverse is modestly reflective in the field, especially when tilted in a bold light source. A tiny tick is seen above the R in the reverse denomination, and two equally meaningless ticks are found to the right of the 8 of the date. PCGS# 7989. NGC ID: 25MP.
