This 1882 $3 is an impressive coin to behold. The deep orange-gold surfaces exhibit a wealth of rich luster and pleasing, frosty devices set against somewhat reflective fields resulting in modest cameo on the obverse. Pools of pale sky blue and deep sunset orange engage the viewer’s eye adding to the overall aesthetics of the piece. The strike is bold. A loupe reveals an essentially mark-free obverse surface that displays only tiny disturbances after a diligent magnified search. The reverse is likewise mark-free. The 2 in the date is repunched, first punched high then partly effaced; the outline of the upper curve of a 2 is seen in the field above the existing 2. All circulation strikes of the date display this diagnostic, though Proofs do not – a proven way to tell the prooflike pieces from the Proofs of the date. Only 1,500 circulation strikes of the date were produced, a modest mintage figure within the series. All of the coins were delivered in a single shipment on December 23. At this time small denomination gold dollars and $3s were good sellers at the Mint. Interestingly, circulated coins of the date are available in roughly the same quantity as Mint State pieces. AU coins are found with some regularity, and Mint State pieces of the lower range also come up for auction in a somewhat steady manner, though very few equal the quality offered here. The D. Brent Pogue 1882 $3 will long be remembered as gems of this quality don’t come up for bids except at widely spaced intervals. PCGS# 8004. NGC ID: 25N5.
