1888 Three-Dollar Gold Piece. MS-65+ (PCGS). A breathtaking example displaying light color in golden-wheat with a touch of pale pink also evident as the surfaces rotate under a light. The fields are smooth and subtly reflective, faintly contrasting the more frosty design elements. Well struck and expertly preserved.<p>Among the most available three-dollar gold issues from the 1880s, the extant population of the 1888 has long provided Mint State coins for collections. The mintage of 5,000 circulation strikes was only nominally smaller than that of the preceding year and it is thought some 350 to 450 examples of the date can be found in Mint State, attesting to the fact that many examples were set aside by contemporary dealers. However, availability dwindles significantly at and above the basal MS-65 grade level. With superior eye appeal to match its exceptional preservation, this premium quality Gem is surely among the most desirable survivors available to todays discerning collectors.
