1885 $3 Indian Princess NGC AU58

Introduction

The 1885 $3 Indian Princess is among the rarest business strikes in the entire Three Dollar Gold series. Graded AU58 by NGC, this coin displays rich golden color, light high-point friction, and outstanding eye appeal. As a near-Mint example from an issue with one of the lowest mintages of the series, it represents an exceptional opportunity for advanced collectors seeking both beauty and rarity in pre-1933 U.S. gold coinage.

History

The $3 Gold Piece was authorized in 1853 and first struck in 1854, intended primarily for purchasing full sheets of 3-cent postage stamps. However, the denomination never gained practical use, and annual production declined sharply through the late 19th century. By 1885, the series was nearing its end, and only 801 circulation strikes were produced at the Philadelphia Mint.

This extremely low output has made the 1885 issue one of the key semi-rare dates, rivaled in scarcity only by the 1877 and 1881 coins. Surviving examples in AU58 condition are particularly coveted, bridging the gap between affordability and near-Mint preservation.

Design

The obverse, designed by Chief Engraver James B. Longacre, features Liberty wearing a feathered headdress inscribed with LIBERTY across the band—an emblematic fusion of classical and Native American motifs. The reverse showcases a wreath composed of corn, wheat, cotton, and tobacco, symbolizing the agricultural prosperity of the United States during the 19th century.

This 1885 $3 Indian Princess NGC AU58 exhibits crisp detail and faint traces of Mint luster within the recessed areas, offering collectors a superb example of artistic refinement and historical significance in American numismatics.