1870 $3 MS(PCGS#7991)

Summer 2026 Global Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

2260

Grade

MS63

Price

11,590

Lot Description

Vivid orange-apricot surfaces support sharply struck and attractive design motifs. A high degree of luster engages the somewhat prooflike surfaces, with modest cameo contrast evident at direct viewing angles. Walter Breen noted that many examples of this issue are "deceptively prooflike." Perhaps he intended to say that some coins offered as Proofs are mirrorlike circulation strikes. If so, and in high grades, they are even rarer than Proofs! Indeed, many specialized $3 gold cabinets contain a choice AU example of this issue, about the best condition typically available. The strike is sharply rendered throughout, both sides further enhanced by an even overly of lovely pinkish-gold color.<p>The Philadelphia Mint produced just 3,500 circulation strikes of this denomination in 1870, survivors of which are rare and seldom offered in any grade. Fewer than 300 are believed extant, most of which are lightly circulated EF and AU coins obtained from the reserves of banks and bullion brokers by numismatic dealers during the early 20th century. With a mere 25 to 30 Mint State coins extant (per Bowers and Winter, 2005), the 1870 is a greater condition rarity than even such other challenging three-dollar gold issues from its era as the 1868 and 1871. At and above the certified Select Mint State grade level the population is so small that one can count the pieces on two sets of hands. The appearance of this superior quality specimen at public auction affords specialists in the challenging $3 denomination an opportunity that may not present itself again for years to come.