The D. Brent Pogue 1889 $3 gold piece is an impressive gem with every turn of the PCGS holder. The frosty medium gold surfaces glow with lively pale sunset orange and sky blue iridescence. The strike is about as bold as ever seen in the design type, with even the vertical split in the reverse bow present. The eye appeal easily befits the assigned grade, and surface marks or blemishes are few. A tiny mark on Liberty’s nose is noted, as is an even tinier one on her neck. On the reverse we note a few tiny ticks in the field at 8:00 between the wreath and the dentils, and a tiny mark near the 1 of the date. Circulation strikes amounted to 2,300 coins, down more than 50% from the previous year’s mintage, all delivered by the coiner in December of the year (though a portion may never have been distributed). It is thought that 200 to 250 Mint State survivors can be accounted for along with 100 to 130 circulated pieces. The typical circulated specimen is AU. Fortunately, gem-quality examples of this date are fairly easily obtained in the numismatic marketplace, although finding gems as nice as this one requires more patience. The impressive Jewell specimen we sold in March 2005 (lot 660) was certified as Mint State-67 by PCGS. The present beauty represents the final coin in the magnificent D. Brent Pogue cabinet of the Indian Princess $3 series. This specimen is worthy of lively pursuit for both its overall quality and its provenance. PCGS# 8011. NGC ID: 25NC.
