Article compiled by John Salyer, Numismatist
and Cataloger based on the lot description by John Salyer and James Matthews,
Senior Numismatist and Consignment Director, U.S. Coins
Many exciting rarities are on
deck for Stack’s Bowers Galleries’ upcoming March 2013 Baltimore Auction. One
of those items is an incredible Gem MS-65 (PCGS) 1864 three-dollar gold piece,
a Condition Census offering. This survivor from a low mintage Civil War issue
displays an impressive combination of superb technical quality and exceptional eye
appeal. Previously part of the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection, sold by us as lot
678 in our October 1999 catalog of Part II of that impressive collection. This coin
is guaranteed to draw the attention of serious specialists in this popular and
challenging 19th century United States gold series.
A lovely array
of blended pastel coloration adds to the desirability. Mint-green, honey-gold,
and pink-red are seen on both sides, especially on the reverse. The design
motifs are sharply impressed and fully defined, and the smooth, virtually
abrasion-free surfaces are characterized by a lovely satin sheen. The mintage
of 2,680 pieces was low to begin with. Relatively few were saved as there was
minimal numismatic interest in circulation strikes of this denomination during
the Civil War era. Most of the survivors
show varying degrees of circulation. The apparent scratch, across the upper
reverse of the piece, is actually located on the back of the PCGS holder, and is not on the coin itself. Not only is this a rare date
in any grade, but in this Gem preservation it is a rarity deluxe.
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