1854-D Three-Dollar Gold Piece. Winter 1-A, the only known dies. AU-55 (NGC). Here is a significant condition rarity to represent this key date three-dollar gold issue from the Dahlonega Mint. Handsome honey-gold surfaces are enhanced by intermingled blushes of pale rose patina. Examples of this issue are never fully struck and, indeed, this piece exhibits the characteristic softness at the borders, where little denticulation is seen. The high points are a bit soft, as well, due to a combination of strike and light rub. On the other hand, the major design elements are very bold for an issue that, when offered at all, tends to be in lower circulated grades such as VF and EF. Faint traces of satiny luster persist, and the surfaces are free of sizable marks and have a pleasingly smooth appearance.<p>The mintage for this first year of issue was just 1,120 pieces, and only about 300 remain today. The majority exhibit considerable wear, as above, and many are also impaired due to cleaning, surface damage, and other problems. Mint State pieces are virtually unobtainable, thus even advanced collectors assembling date and mint sets are pressed to buy this particular issue in circulated grades. At the Choice AU level this formidable rarity -- the only Dahlonega Mint issue of the denomination -- has always been in strong demand. Only the most aggressive bids will secure this prize. From the Huberman Collection. Earlier ex Great Collections sale of the Abbey Collection of Three-Dollar Gold Pieces, October 2016.
