1885 $3 Indian Princess NGC AU58

The 1885 $3 Indian Princess Gold Coin, graded AU58 by NGC, offers collectors a rare opportunity to own the final-year issue of one of America’s most unique and short-lived gold denominations. This coin represents the end of an era in U.S. coinage and combines historic appeal, low mintage, and exceptional condition in a single, highly collectible piece.

Struck only from 1854 to 1889, the $3 gold piece was an unusual denomination whose purpose remains a topic of numismatic debate. Some theories suggest it was created to facilitate the purchase of postage stamps or to streamline bulk transactions. Whatever the reason, it never gained widespread public acceptance, resulting in low mintages throughout the series and an eventual end to its production.

The 1885 issue is among the rarest in the entire $3 gold series. With a tiny mintage of just 801 business strikes, it is the second-lowest mintage of any regular issue in the series, exceeded only by the legendary 1881. Many of the 801 coins struck were either melted or lost to time, making the surviving examples especially desirable to collectors.

Graded AU58 by NGC, this coin is just one small step below Mint State. It retains sharp detail and strong remaining luster, with only the faintest trace of wear on the highest points of the design. The AU58 grade offers excellent value by delivering near-Mint appearance without the price tag of a full Mint State specimen. In the eyes of many collectors, AU58 is the sweet spot for high-quality, scarce 19th-century gold.

Designed by James B. Longacre, the coin features the “Indian Princess” motif on the obverse, a personification of Liberty wearing a feathered headdress with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA encircling her portrait. The reverse displays a wreath of corn, cotton, wheat, and tobacco surrounding the denomination and date. The design is both elegant and distinctive, making it a standout among classic U.S. gold issues.

The 1885 $3 Gold Princess was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, and no branch mint issues were produced that year. As the final regular-issue year of the denomination, it holds added importance for those building type sets or series-specific collections. Because so few were made and fewer survive in collectible condition, demand for the 1885 is consistently high among advanced collectors.

This example has been certified and encapsulated by NGC, one of the top third-party grading services. Its secure holder guarantees authenticity and preserves the coin’s condition for future generations. The AU58 grade also gives collectors a chance to acquire an eye-appealing coin at a more accessible price point compared to higher Mint State grades, which often command significant premiums due to their rarity.

Whether you are a collector of U.S. type coins, 19th-century gold, or simply want to own a piece of American numismatic history, the 1885 $3 Indian Princess NGC AU58 makes an exceptional addition. It tells a story of experimentation in U.S. currency, features beautiful and unique design elements, and marks the final chapter of a fascinating and often overlooked series.

As the last year of issue and one of the lowest mintage dates in the series, the 1885 $3 gold coin stands as both a collectible treasure and a tangible link to the era of frontier expansion and industrial transformation in the United States. Do not miss the chance to secure this rare gold artifact before it disappears into long-term collections.