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1889 $3 PR65 Ultra Cameo NGC....
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Sold on Mar 7, 2008 for:
$43,125.00
Bid Source: Internet bidder
Description
Splendid 1889 Three Dollar
PR65 Ultra Cameo
1889 $3 PR65 Ultra Cameo NGC. The novelty of the three
dollar gold piece is undeniable. It was created as a convenience to
facilitate the purchase of a sheet of three cent stamps. That
reason, of course, saw limited usefulness; nevertheless, the
denomination lasted for 35 years, ending in 1889. The three dollar
gold piece was a curiosity even during this period. It was an odd
denomination, few were struck, and even fewer circulated. The
denomination ended with the same law that eliminated the gold
dollar. The decade of the 1880s had negligible numbers produced of
the three dollar denomination. Quantities ranged from a low of 554
in 1881 to 6,160 in 1887. The final year of production had a run of
only 2,500 pieces for circulation. Proof examples have always been
highly collectible and desirable, regardless of date. In 1889 there
were 129 proofs struck, and one can deduce from the striking
periods that they must have all been sold. In addition to the two
strikings in June, September, and October, there were also 16
pieces struck in December; indicating that previous stocks had been
sold and there was demand for additional proofs.The mintage of proof 1889 threes would indicate it should be one of the more available proofs from the decade of the 1880s. However, just the opposite is true. Only 85 to 95 examples are believed known today. As an Ultra Cameo, this is the finest (and only) piece certified by NGC. Only five coins have been graded finer, all PR66 Cameo pieces. PCGS has graded one piece equal to this Ultra Cameo, and one higher, a PR66. As Cameo and non-Cameo coins, only five coins have been certified finer (1/08).
As with all proof 1889 threes, the 1 in the date is right of the center of the right side of the O in DOLLARS. Also, the leaf to the left of the date is complete, unlike on circulation strikes. The fields on each side show pronounced orange-peel texture, commonly seen on proof gold from this decade. The devices are noticeably frosted and stand in stark contrast to the unfathomable depth of reflectivity seen in the fields. The only (faintly) noticeable contact marks are a couple of very shallow ones located in the reverse field on each side of the 3 in the denomination.
From The Ultra Collection.(Registry values: P1)
Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 28AY, PCGS# 98053, GSID# 8777)
Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
Weight: 5.02 grams
AGW: 0.14526oz
View all of [The Ultra Collection ]
Auction Info
2008 March Phoenix, AZ (ANA) Signature Auction #1102 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
March, 2008
6th-7th
Thursday-Friday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 5
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 2,182
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
15% of the successful bid per lot.
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