1889 Proof Three Dollar Pattern - J-1756a

Coin Details

Auction Record

$36,000 PR64+BN 01-14-2024 Heritage Auctions

Description

Judd-1756a is a unique proof pattern three dollar gold piece struck in copper, representing the final pattern produced for this denomination before its congressional abolition. The obverse carries James B. Longacre's Indian Princess design introduced in 1854, featuring Liberty wearing a feathered headdress inscribed LIBERTY, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the border and the date 1889 below. The reverse displays a wreath of tobacco, wheat, corn, and cotton enclosing the denomination 3 DOLLARS. The copper composition rather than gold indicates this piece was struck as a die trial or presentation piece, produced by Mint personnel as a last memento of the series before production officially ceased. The three dollar denomination had been recommended for discontinuation by Mint Director James P. Kimball, who wrote to Congress that "this denomination serves no useful purpose." Congress formally abolished the three dollar gold piece on September 26, 1890, along with the gold dollar and three cent nickel. The piece exhibits deep golden-brown coloring with chestnut highlights and pale sky-blue iridescence on the reflective proof fields, with a series of tiny reverse planchet laminations. As a unique specimen, it stands as the final numismatic artifact of a denomination that circulated for thirty-five years.

Rarity Notes

R-8. Unique. Single specimen known, graded Proof-64 BN by PCGS.

Cross References

Judd J-1756a, Pollock P-1970