1856 Proof Indian Princess Three Dollar

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Description

The 1856 Proof Indian Princess Three Dollar is a proof three dollar gold piece struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Indian Princess Three Dollars 1854-1889 series. Philadelphia's proof output was not recorded before 1858, but an estimated 5 proof three dollar gold pieces dated 1856 were struck. The obverse features a female figure wearing a feathered headdress, representing Liberty in the guise of a Native American princess, similar to but distinct from the gold dollar design and the reverse displays a wreath of tobacco, wheat, corn, and cotton enclosing the denomination 3 DOLLARS and date. Struck during the California Gold Rush era, when vast quantities of western gold transformed the American economy and led to new denominations. As a proof issue, this coin was struck multiple times on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies, producing mirror-like fields and frosted design elements. Struck in 90% gold, 10% copper, weighing 5.015 grams, 20.5 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #8019.