1881 Three-Dollar Gold Piece. AU-55 (PCGS). CAC.Lovely Choice AU quality for this key date three-dollar gold issue, both sides are boldly defined overall with plenty of semi-prooflike reflectivity evident in the fields. Vivid reddish-gold patina with a touch of pale silver further enhances already strong eye appeal. The 1881 is one of the most eagerly sought three-dollar gold coins across the entire numismatic grading spectrum, the circulation strike mintage a scant 500 pieces. Most survivors are lightly circulated, as here, and were retrieved from bank reserves in the early 20th century through a campaign conducted for such purposes by celebrated numismatist Thomas L. Elder. Even so, there are nowhere near enough coins extant to meet the demand from todays advanced gold collectors, underscoring the significance of the present offering.
