1876 Three-Dollar Gold Piece. JD-2. Rarity-6. Proof-65 Cameo (PCGS). CAC. An impressive coin with awesome condition rarity to match its undeniable absolute rarity. The surfaces are nicely preserved with a predominantly smooth appearance that holds up well even under close scrutiny with a loupe. This is also a beautiful coin, as one should expect for the assigned grade, the surfaces bathed in vivid orange-gold color with bold field to device contrast. Full striking detail that touches even the most intricate design elements rounds out a truly impressive list of attributes for this phenomenal coin.<p>The Mint produced no circulation strike three-dollar gold coins in 1876, a repeat of 1875, but it did step up Proof production in the later year in anticipation of increased demand associated with the United States Centennial celebration. Officially the Mint struck 45 Proof threes in 1876, 20 coins delivered on February 19 and an additional 25 specimens on June 13. Interestingly, however, two die marriages are known, with different die rotations also known for both varieties. John W. Dannreuther (2018) rightly concludes that this data points to at least four different striking periods, so it is likely that a few additional Proofs of this issue were prepared, either on other dates in 1876 and/or as restrikes sometime after that year.<p>With a higher mintage, it is little wonder than the 1876 three-dollar gold piece is more plentiful in numismatic circles than the 1875, which is also a Proof-only issue, but one with a reported mintage of just 20 coins. As with all classic U.S. Mint Proof gold coins, of course, the 1876 three is a major rarity in an absolute sense. Dannreuther accounts for only 32 to 40 survivors, which total is evenly divided between the JD-1 and JD-2 die pairings. The awesome Gem offered here is making its first appearance in the numismatic market since the mid 1970s. It is an exquisite specimen destined for inclusion in an advanced gold cabinet. PCGS# 88040. NGC ID: 28AJ. PCGS Population: 2; 0 finer in this category.<p>CAC Population: 1; 1. From the Mocatta Collection.
