1883 Three-Dollar Gold Piece. JD-1, the only known dies. Rarity-5. Proof-66 Deep Cameo (PCGS). CAC. This is an exceptional Gem example of a rare classic Proof gold issue. Fully impressed with razor sharp definition, the devices are set apart from the fields with a satiny texture. The fields are deeply reflective, and the entire coin displays vivid light golden color with a tinge of pale pinkish-rose. Highly appealing visually, with significant numismatic rarity.<p>The Philadelphia Mint struck 89 Proof three-dollar gold pieces in 1883, 40 of which were delivered on February 10 for inclusion in the years Proof sets. Only a single pair of dies was used, which has been given the attribution JD-1 in John W. Dannreuthers 2018 reference on Proof United States gold coinage. The author accounts for just 40 to 55 survivors in all grades, the present Gem certainly one of the very finest known and especially desirable for the bold cameo contrast, seen on just a handful initially struck by these dies. It is interesting that the master hub was engraved with haste as the final letter S in STATES is quite low (a feature seen on several years of the three-dollar gold series), and there is irregular spacing between the letters in the word LIBERTY on the headband. From the Huberman Collection. Earlier ex our (Stacks) 80th Annual ANA Convention Auction Sale, August 1971, lot 2094. Lot tag included.
