1857-S Three-Dollar Gold Piece. EF-45 (NGC). Vivid antique-gold patina blends nicely over both sides of this uncommonly well preserved piece. Ample boldness of detail remains, and the persistent viewer will be further rewarded with flickers of original satin luster. A low mintage (14,000 pieces), heavily circulated issue, the 1857-S three is scarce to rare in all grades with fewer than 350 coins believed extant.