|
Sale 7
|
|
press UP arrow key to increase the zoom ratio.
press DOWN arrow key to decrease the zoom ratio.
press RIGHT arrow key to increase the zoom window size.
press LEFT arrow key to decrease the zoom window size.
|
|
Lot 814
EXTREMELY RARE 1854-D PCGS GRADED MINT STATE-60. PCGS graded MS-60. Here is an American classic, the 1854-D Three Dollar Gold piece. Only 1,120 were coined, and most circulated into low grades. It is likely that only a few hundred survive. This date is virtually impossible to locate in full mint state. PCGS has only graded 2 coins as such, this piece and one other in Mint State 62. NGC has similar numbers, with 2 coins graded as Mint State 60, and one graded Mint State 61. It is probable that some of these reported grades may be crossovers or other attempts at a higher grade representing only a couple of coins. Regardless, this is clearly one of the Finest Known specimens of the date, certainly in the top six known. Furthermore, this is the Breen plate coin, used in his wonderful Encyclopedia, with a small identifying mark in the right obverse field. The obverse dentils are weak along the upper portions, diagnostic to this date, and the leaf left of the date is also weak, from die lapping, further confirming that this piece is indeed genuine and not some sort of added mintmark or other alteration. Collectors can bid secure in the knowledge that this coin is original, and have the further assurance of the PCGS blessing of a Mint State 60 grade.
The D mintmark is quite large, apparently it was used to produce half eagles. The reverse die shows 2 or more clash marks, with Liberty's head outlined within the reverse wreath. On the obverse, minor clash marks are noted extending up near to Liberty's neck, probably from the wreath on the reverse. The fields possess frosty luster and the devices are well struck on the obverse and reverse. We note that the upper curl on Liberty's head is a bit weak, as well as the high curl over her ear. As to the identifying mark in the right obverse field, it is a fairly heavy dig midway in the field under ER of AMERICA. To the unaided eye, this is minor, but does show clearly with a glass. On the reverse, there are no problems aside from typical handling marks expected on a coin of this era.
This is the rarest regular issue $3 date, and the most valuable. Only the proof only 1875 is more costly, aside from the unique 1870-S. We expect spirited bidding when this important rarity, the 1854-D in Mint State 60, crosses the block.
As Congress had passed into law this curious denomination in 1853, dies were prepared for the new denomination for coining in 1854. It was believed that these coins could be used to purchase sheets of stamps, with standard postage being 3¢, logic followed that a $3 coin would be useful in circulation. Philadelphia coined 138,618 in 1854, while New Orleans coined 24,000. Dahlonega, on the other hand, only produced 1,120, and never coined another $3 after this small issue. Most, of course, circulated widely and are found in a variety of lower grades. The denomination limped along through 1889, and was formally retired in 1890.
Estimated Value $60,000-UP.
|
| |
| Unsold |
|
