1856-S Three-Dollar Gold Piece. Small S. MS-62 (PCGS).，A highly significant condition rarity that would do justice to the finest three-dollar gold collection. Satiny honey-gold surfaces also reveal tinges of pale rose iridescence as the surfaces rotate under a light. The strike is as close to full as one could realistically expect for a circulation strike coin of this type, and we note only the characteristic softness of detail at the ribbon that binds the base of the wreath on the reverse. The in hand appearance is uncommonly smooth for the assigned grade and not all that far from what one might expect to see at the Choice Mint State level. Approaching Condition Census for this scarce and challenging issue, astute gold collectors would be wise to take full advantage of the fleeting bidding opportunity that this offering represents.<p>The 1856-S is one of only five San Francisco Mint issues in the three-dollar gold series (counting the unique 1870-S), and it is the most frequently encountered in numismatic circles thanks to a relatively generous mintage of 34,500 pieces. As with all early gold issues from the West Coast branch mint, however, the 1856-S as an issue circulated extensively and suffered a high rate of attrition. Survivors are scarce in an absolute sense and typically grade no finer than EF, often with significant impairments. In Mint State the 1856-S is nothing short of rare, and we would be surprised to learn that more than 20 or 25 coins are extant at that level of preservation. Off the market for decades and a newcomer to third party certification, this coin is one of the finest examples of the issue that we have ever handled and is sure to see spirited bidding at auction.，PCGS# 7975. NGC ID: 25M9.，PCGS Population: 3; 7 finer (MS-64 finest).，From the Alexander Collection. Earlier from B. Max Mehl, lot tag #2237 from an unrecorded sale included.
