1863 Three-Dollar Gold Piece. JD-1, the only known dies. Rarity-6+. Proof-58 (PCGS). CAC. The 1863 is a challenging three-dollar gold date to locate and is represented here by a charming Proof specimen. The surfaces exhibit warm, even color in honey-apricot that provides strong eye appeal. The fields retain ample reflectivity, despite light friction and wispy handling marks that do little more than define the grade. Satiny and smartly impressed design elements offer modest cameo contrast under a light.<p>With little bullion reaching the Philadelphia Mint while gold specie payments were in suspension in the East and Midwest, the circulation strike 1863 three-dollar gold had a mintage of just 5,000 pieces. Only 35 Proofs were struck, as the Mint almost certainly anticipated low demand while contemporary collectors were distracted by the War. The entire Proof mintage was achieved on March 23, and only 14 to 16 coins are believed extant (per John W. Dannreuther, 2018). This is the first specimen that we have offered in more than a decade, ample evidence of the fleeting nature of market appearances in the 21st century. The strongest bids are encouraged from collectors seeking to secure this numismatic prize.<p> From the Huberman Collection. Acquired from Beacon Hill Coin, March 1966.
