1868 Three-Dollar Gold Piece. JD-1, the only known dies. Rarity-6+. Proof. Unc Details--Altered Surfaces (PCGS). This visually stunning Proof offers stark contrast between mirrored fields and satiny devices that is fully deserving of a Cameo designation. A "straight grade" is also deserved in our opinion, as the surfaces are nicely preserved with nothing readily evident to support the PCGS qualifier. It is smooth and inviting, in fact, with exceptional eye appeal. The reverse is rotated 160 degrees counterclockwise from normal coin alignment, a feature of all known Proof 1868 threes, including some (all?) of the off metal strikings in aluminum attributed as Judd-655, Pollock-728.<p>From a tiny mintage of 25 Proofs, all of which were delivered on February 20. The Proof 1868 is a bit rarer than the Proof 1867, and comparable to the Proof 1869, with an extant population of just 12 to 14 coins (per John W. Dannreuther, 2018). This is our first offering for the issue in recent decades, confirming that the Proof 1868 is even rarer from a market availability standpoint than the paltry extant population would suggest. A find for the advanced gold enthusiast, and worthy of an aggressive bidding strategy. From the Huberman Collection. Earlier ex our (Stacks) Spring Sale of April 1978, lot 836. Lot tag included.
