1870 Indian Three-dollar Gold

HBCC#:

4023

Breen#:

6378

BD#:

n/a

Judd#:

n/a

Pollock#:

n/a

The Proof mintage this year was slightly larger, with 25 examples struck February 3 and an additional 10 coins minted June 1. Of the total, approximately 15 examples survive today. As with most other years, Proof examples are in the Smithsonian Institution and American Numismatic Society. Two different die varieties are known for the Proof mintage, combining two obverse dies and one reverse die. This example, from the 1869 obverse, is a lovely “gem” and ranks as one of the finest known.

Provenance:

From Stack's sale of the Theodore Ullmer Collection, May 1974, Lot 419.

Obverse:

Reverse:

Commentary:

(adapted): "Obverse: Die scratch from denticle above O(F) to (O)F. Reused for Proofs of 1874 and 1875. Very lightly hubbed; tops only of J.B.L. visible, portion of front of headdress missing (distinctive). No 'Ghosting'. Reverse: Open 3. Date very low, barely above ribbon loop; level relative to DOLLARS. All characters firmly punched and distinct. Left interior leaf opposite date is a thin, broken remnant with miniscule base at junction with wreath leaf below. Right interior leaf is thin. Lower one-third of left bow loop and center space filled. Right loop clear with but a stub of vertical ribbon element within, and none projecting into field from top of right loop."