With only 45 Proofs struck for collectors and none for circulation, the 1876 three has been famous for a long time, and justifiably so. The memorable Pogue coin is a sparkling deep orange-gold Proof of the year with frosty orange devices set against deeply mirrored fields. The fields exhibit lively olive and sky blue iridescence in a bright light source. The strike is sharp and the eye appeal is easily that of the given grade. Magnified scrutiny provides no marks of any measure on the obverse where Liberty’s portrait is especially “clean” and free of distractions. The reverse fares just as well. The Mint’s records for this date show a total of 45 Proof $3s, 20 delivered on February 19, and 25 on June 13. The present coin is among the five finest Proofs of the date seen thus far by PCGS. It surpasses the Bass 1876 $3 by a grading point plus a DCAM rating, and the Jewell specimen fell four grading points shy of the gem Proof grade. PCGS# 98040. NGC ID: 28AJ.
