1860-S Indian Three-dollar Gold

HBCC#:

4013

Breen#:

6364

BD#:

n/a

Judd#:

n/a

Pollock#:

n/a

Although 7,000 coins were struck, a problem arose with the minting procedures, and only 4,408 coins were released into circulation. The other 2,592 coins were lightweight, and remained at the Mint until they were melted in 1869. The balance that entered circulation saw extensive use in commerce. Today, the typical survivor grades Very Fine or Extremely Fine. Such is true of nearly all San Francisco Mint gold issues. This is a wonderful “gem” Mint State example and almost certainly the finest known.

Provenance:

From Bowers and Ruddy's sale of the Eliasberg Collection, October 1982, Lot 285. Earlier from the Chapman brothers sale of the Dickinson and Lindsay Collections, March 1894.

Obverse:

Reverse:

Commentary:

(adapted): "Obverse: Head moderately hubbed into die, making truncation moderately wide. Of J.B.L., most of J and two-thirds of L are visible. Reverse: Date has small numerals, canted up to right and nearly twice as distant from DOLLARS as from bow. Both 8 and 6 exhibit uncharacteristic bulges on their facing sides."