1881 $3, CAM PR(PCGS#88045)

Summer 2026 Global Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

2271

Grade

PR62CAM

Price

18,910

Lot Description

A beautiful specimen, both sides are boldly cameo in finish with nice contrast between mirrored fields and frosty motifs. Areas of die polish within Liberty's portrait also show reflectivity, most notably along the junction of the neck and the tresses of hair at back. Deep olive undertones backlight dominant color in vivid orange-gold. There is evidence for only minor handling here, the surfaces smooth enough to evoke thoughts of a Select Proof rating.<p>This is a "magic" date in the three-dollar gold series, the circulation strike 1881 boasting a mintage of just 500 coins. The year 1881 is also significant for the Proof three-dollar series, as it is the first since 1861 during which contemporary collectors could acquire Proof gold coins either individually or as part of sets. The reported mintage in this format is 54 coins, 50 struck during the first quarter of the year (40 delivered February 9, 10 delivered March 26), and the remaining four delivered during the fourth quarter. Writing in his 2018 reference United States Proof Coins, John W. Dannreuther notes:<p><em>A. Loudon Snowden was Philadelphia Mint Superintendent and Oliver C. Bosbyshell was his Chief Coiner, so there is always the chance a few more coins were struck in subsequent years or even later in 1881. Whatever demand there was, it was filled.</em><p>With 30 to 36 coins believed extant (per Dannreuther), the 1881 has a relatively generous numismatic population by Proof three-dollar gold standards. Market appearances belie this fact, however, and we suspect that the "magic" status of this date keeps many Proof 1881 $3s off the market in strong hands. Once the present specimen sells, it may be years before another opportunity like this comes along.