1871 $3 Indian Princess PCGS AU58 CAC

The 1871 $3 Indian Princess Gold Coin is a captivating relic of 19th-century American coinage, offering a unique glimpse into an era when the U.S. Mint explored unconventional denominations. Struck in limited quantities and bearing a design unlike any other denomination, this $3 gold piece has long intrigued collectors and historians alike. Graded AU58 by PCGS and certified by CAC, this particular example represents one of the finest available for this low-mintage issue.

The $3 gold series was first introduced in 1854, intended to facilitate the purchase of postage stamps and multiple coins at once. However, it never gained wide circulation, leading to modest mintages and an early end to the series in 1889. The 1871 issue is one of the scarcer dates, with a total mintage of just 1,300 business strikes. Today, far fewer survive in any condition, especially with the eye appeal and technical quality required to earn a grade as high as AU58.

The obverse of the coin features the classic Indian Princess motif designed by James B. Longacre, who also created the famed Indian Head cent. The central figure wears a feathered headdress inscribed with the word "LIBERTY," a symbolic nod to America’s heritage and identity. The reverse displays a wreath of tobacco, wheat, corn, and cotton—crops vital to the American economy—surrounding the denomination and date.

The appeal of this specific specimen is further heightened by its CAC endorsement. The Certified Acceptance Corporation (CAC) awards its sticker only to coins that meet strict quality standards for the assigned grade. This means the coin not only falls at the top of its grade but also possesses excellent eye appeal, luster, and surfaces—making it a premium choice for advanced collectors.

In AU58 condition, this coin exhibits nearly all the characteristics of a Mint State piece, with minimal wear visible only on the highest points. The fields retain much of their original mint luster, and the details of the headdress and wreath are well-defined and sharp. The color is a rich, even gold tone that adds to its visual impact and overall desirability.

Collectors are drawn to the $3 gold series for its historical novelty and scarcity, but the 1871 issue is especially attractive due to its extremely limited mintage and survival rate. Most surviving examples are in lower grades, and AU58 specimens with CAC approval are rarely encountered in the market. This makes it an exceptional opportunity for those building a type set, a denomination set, or an elite gold collection focused on pre-1933 U.S. issues.

Beyond its numismatic appeal, this coin also serves as a reminder of an experimental era in American monetary history. The $3 denomination never caught on with the public, making each surviving example a window into a past effort by the U.S. Mint to simplify commerce in a rapidly growing nation. Owning a coin like this means preserving a piece of that legacy.