1873 Proof Open 3 Three Dollar

Coin Details

Auction Record

$44,000 PR65 11-01-1979 Bowers & Ruddy

Description

The 1873 Proof Open 3 Three Dollar is a proof dollar struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Indian Princess Three Dollars 1854-1889 series. With a mintage of 25, this is an extremely rare issue — ranked 2nd of 3 mint variants by mintage, with 19% of production. 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. Minted during Reconstruction and the Gilded Age, as the nation healed from civil war and debated the role of silver and gold in the monetary system. 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 prized by collectors. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Estimated market value is approximately $67K. Struck in 90% gold, 10% copper, weighing 5.02 grams, 20.5 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #8037.