1859 Silver Three-Cent Piece. Proof-65 (PCGS).A richly original example, both sides are bathed in blended steely-copper, midnight blue and powder blue shades. A mintage of 800 pieces conceals the scarcity of this issue in todays market. Produced in an era when the Mint was just beginning to market Proof coins to collectors, the mintage for this issue proved overly optimistic relative to contemporary demand. Many examples remained unsold, as such, and those pieces were eventually released into circulation in later years. This is a particularly fortunate survivor with solid Gem quality and superior eye appeal that is sure to result in strong bidder competition.