Pale yellow-gold surfaces support fully struck and attractive design motifs. A high degree of luster engages the somewhat prooflike surfaces resulting in a modest cameo contrast. Walter Breen noted that many examples of this date are “deceptively prooflike.” Perhaps he intended to say that some coins offered as Proofs are mirrorlike circulation strikes. If so, and in high grades, they are even rarer than Proofs! Despite the reflective nature of the field, only some minor marks are scattered about, the most recognizable a small patch of tiny marks on Liberty’s cheek near her eye that is best seen under low magnification. Other tiny marks are found, though none of them are worthy of individual descriptions. The reverse is of equal quality with only a faint mark underlying the date worthy of any mention; the rest of this side is absolutely choice. This coin is an old friend that we had the honor of selling in October 1999, when it appeared as lot 685 in Part II of the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection. Many $3 cabinets contain a choice AU example of the date, about the best condition typically available. Only 3,500 three-dollar gold pieces were struck in 1870, with 150 to 225 or so coins believed to exist, all are rare no matter the grade. At the high-end choice Mint State category the population is so small that one can count the pieces on one hand. The appearance of the D. Brent Pogue $3 Collection at public auction affords a new group of specialists in the $3 denomination an opportunity that may not present itself again for years to come. PCGS# 7991. NGC ID: 25MS.
