1881 $3 MS(PCGS#8003)

Summer 2026 Global Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

2272

Grade

MS61

Price

14,640

Lot Description

This sharply struck and handsome example offers exceptional eye appeal at the assigned grade level. The surfaces are remarkably smooth, appearing Choice at many viewing angles. Careful study reveals faint hairlines and a touch of glossiness to the texture that preclude a higher Mint State grade. The aesthetic appeal is strong, nonetheless, as both sides have deep, rich, copper-rose color enhanced by iridescent powder blue, champagne-pink and orange-apricot patina. Modestly semi-reflective fields also light up as the surfaces rotate into direct lighting. For the assigned grade, it is difficult to imagine a more appealing example of this key date three-dollar gold issue.<p>With only 500 coins struck for commercial use, the 1881 has the lowest mintage among circulation strike issues of this denomination. The entire mintage was achieved in a single delivery in June or July of that year. Few, if any, saw active commercial use, the coins instead remaining as part of bullion reserves until they were eventually destroyed through melting. A small number of examples - 125 or fewer coins - were retrieved from banks through the efforts of numismatic dealers such as Thomas L. Elder, who sent circular letters to cashiers and tellers. Since Elder and others in this regard were active during the early 20th century, the coins they retrieved were lightly circulated and, indeed, the typical 1881 encountered in today's market grades EF or AU. Only two or three dozen Mint State examples have come down to the present day, and they are eagerly sought by both series specialists and other advanced collectors of classic U.S. Mint gold rarities.