$3 Gold MS64 (Dates Vary)

Introduction

The $3 Gold Piece is one of the most fascinating and elusive denominations ever produced by the United States Mint. Struck between 1854 and 1889, these coins were made in limited quantities and are prized today for their beauty, rarity, and historic charm. Each piece in this offering is certified in Mint State 64 (MS64), signifying above-average surfaces, strong eye appeal, and minimal contact marks. These coins represent a premium opportunity for collectors seeking high-grade 19th-century U.S. gold with exceptional visual quality.

History

Authorized by the Act of February 21, 1853, the $3 Gold Piece was conceived during an era of innovation and expansion in U.S. coinage. Although intended to facilitate the purchase of postage stamps by the sheet and to complement the $1 and $5 gold coins, the denomination never gained widespread circulation.

Most examples were produced in limited numbers, with mintages declining sharply after the Civil War as public demand waned. By the time production ceased in 1889, the $3 gold coin had already become a collector’s item rather than a circulating coin. Surviving pieces, especially in Mint State condition, are highly sought after for their scarcity and elegant design.

Design

Designed by Chief Engraver James Barton Longacre, the obverse features the iconic Indian Princess portrait wearing a feathered headdress inscribed with the word LIBERTY. The reverse displays an agricultural wreath of corn, cotton, wheat, and tobacco encircling the denomination and date.

In MS64 grade, each coin exhibits bright luster, clean fields, and well-defined strike details that bring Longacre’s artistry to life. The $3 Gold Piece stands as a testament to mid-19th-century American coinage and remains one of the most distinctive and collectible denominations in U.S. numismatic history.