1854-O Three-Dollar Gold Piece. Winter-1, the only known dies. Late Die State. AU-53 (PCGS).Bright honey-gold surfaces are boldly defined for the die state with ample remnants of original mint luster. Alone among New Orleans Mint issues in the three-dollar gold series, the 1854-O was produced to the extent of 24,000 pieces. This is a generous total for the type, but attrition through circulation was high and of the 1,000 or so coins believed extant most grade EF or lower. This is a noteworthy AU whose significance is further enhanced by the extreme rarity of true Mint State survivors.Only a single die variety is known for this issue, but survivors come in two die states. Late die state examples, as here, are characterized by extensive lapping of the reverse die that has attenuated, among other features, the right ribbon end and both ribbon loops.From the Maurice Snow Collection. Acquired from Harry J. Forman, May 22, 1980. Earlier ex William Youngerman.
