1863 Three-Dollar Gold Piece. MS-67 (NGC).Scarce even in lower grades, the circulation strike 1863 three-dollar gold piece is a formidable condition rarity at the Superb Gem level of preservation. This is a breathtakingly beautiful coin, both sides fully struck with light, vivid golden-rose patina. Modestly semi-reflectivity in the fields, the finish is otherwise frosty in texture. Expertly preserved and virtually pristine, this enchanting coin will please even the most discerning numismatist.<p>The 1863 is similar in both absolute and high grade rarity to the 1861 and 1862, the circulation strike mintages for these three-dollar gold issues 5,959, 5,750 and 5,000 coins, respectively. Only 300 or so examples of the 1863 are believed extant, most of which are EF and AU coins retrieved from bank reserves during the early 20th century. Rarely seen are Mint State survivors, as here, far fewer examples of the 1863 deliberately saved than those of the more highly regarded low mintage issues from the 1880s. Writing in the 2005 reference <em>The United States $3 Gold Pieces: 1854-1889</em>, in fact,. Q. David Bowers and Douglas Winter account for only 30 to 40 Uncirculated coins in numismatic hands. By way of comparison, the authors estimate that 140 to 170 Mint State examples of the 1880 have survived, those from a far lower mintage of 1,000 circulation strikes. For the astute gold collector who recognizes the 1863 as an underappreciated rarity even in lower Mint State grades, our offering of this Condition Census Superb Gem represents a significant and fleeting bidding opportunity.From the Claudia St John Collection.
