1884 Three-Dollar Gold Piece. JD-1, the only known dies. Rarity-4+. Proof-65 Deep Cameo (PCGS). CAC. Rich orange-gold color is noted on both sides of this amazing Proof 1884 three-dollar gold piece. Fully struck with a soft satin texture, the devices appear to float atop deeply reflective fields. As smooth and fresh as the day it emerged from the dies, even the most discerning gold enthusiasts will be impressed by this lovely Gem.<p>The 1884 is the first issue in the Proof three-dollar gold series with a mintage of more than 100 coins. The exact mintage is 109 Proofs (106 according to the <em>Guide Book</em>), produced at the Mint in multiple small deliveries spread throughout the year. The first 30 coins struck in January were intended for the years gold Proof sets. Additional deliveries were prepared to meet speculative demand from contemporary numismatic dealers, which explains the marked increase in Proof three-dollar coinage during the 1880s compared to earlier decades.<p>Perhaps not surprising given its relatively generous mintage, the 1884 is among the more frequently encountered Proofs in the three-dollar gold series. It is, however, rarer than the 1885, 1886, 1889 and, especially, the 1887 and 1888. Such comparisons are purely academic, of course, for all Proofs of this type are rare in an absolute sense. Fully original, high quality survivors such as this are very rare from a market availability standpoint. As with most late date Proof threes, the 1884 also enjoys heightened numismatic demand given the low mintage and consequent scarcity of the years circulation strike coins. Whether an advanced date collector, specialist in Proof three-dollar gold or high quality type collector, gold enthusiasts would be wise to strongly pursue this offering. From the Huberman Collection. Earlier ex Henry Chapmans sale of the George H. Earle, Jr. Collection, June 1912, lot 2481; our (Stacks) Spring Sale of April 1978, lot 839. Stacks lot tag and collector tag with Earle provenance notation included.
