1863 $3 PR67+ Deep Cameo PCGS. CAC. JD-1, High R.6....

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1863 Three Dollar, PR67+ Deep Cameo
Single-Finest Certified Example
Exceptional Quality for an 1860s-Era Proof

1863 $3 PR67+ Deep Cameo PCGS. CAC. JD-1, High R.6. Ex: Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection. This low-mintage Civil War issue reports only 39 proofs and 5,000 circulation strikes produced. Proof survival is estimated at 14 to 16 pieces by John Dannreuther -- a high percentage, perhaps bolstered by war-year gold hoarding. The finest proof of all is the splendid PR67+ Deep Cameo PCGS from the Harry Bass Core Collection. Cameo and Deep Cameo examples dominate the 1863 proof Condition Census.

A single die pair struck the entire proof and circulation strike mintage. The sole confirming characteristic for proofs (other than their superior strike, frosted motifs, and mirrorlike reflective fields) is what Dannreuther calls a "dogleg die line" and some fingerlike raised projections that extend outward from the reflective area between Liberty's two largest neck curls. Liberty's cheek is smoothly frosted on virtually all proofs, although allowance is made for a JD-2 late die state with lumps on Liberty's face. Prooflike circulation strikes do not approach the quality of confirmed proofs, since nearly all have die striations and other factors that help avoid deception.

This high-end Superb Gem proof displays blatant gold-on-black contrast and essentially pristine surfaces. A pinpoint depression on Liberty's jawline is merely a microscopic, Mint-made void invisible to the unaided eye. A solitary alloy toning spot on a right-side wreath leaf is the only other surface anomaly to mention. Intensely brilliant, yellow-gold color imbues this extraordinary three dollar proof with unmatched technical quality and immense eye appeal. Traces of orange-peel effect are seen on the reverse especially at the margins, although the overwhelming visual characteristic of this remarkable proof is the smoothness and depth of the mirrored fields and immaculate devices. PCGS has certified but one other PR67+ Deep Cameo proof in the entire three dollar gold series (5/23). That coin (a nearly flawless 1862 PR67+ Deep Cameo proof) also came out of the Harry Bass Core Collection and brought $336,000. We expect an equally impressive result when this 1863 three dollar proof in the identical grade is called.

A Roster of Significant Examples provided by Ron Guth of the Numismatic Detective Agency
1. PR67+ Deep Cameo PCGS. Gaston DiBello Collection, Part II (Stack's, 5/1970), lot 761; Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation Collection (HBCC# 4016). The present coin.
2. PR66+ Deep Cameo PCGS. William H. Woodin Collection (Thomas Elder, 3/1911), lot 1152; John H. Clapp Collection, sold intact via Stack's in 1942; Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection (Bowers and Ruddy, 10/1982), lot 288, $14,300; Greg Holloway; Sakura Collection (Heritage, 1/2020), lot 4383, $105,000; Internet Auction (Great Collections, 4/2020), lot 816111, $118,125.
3. PR66 Deep Cameo PCGS. HFW² Collection (Heritage, 1/2020), lot 4382, $93,000; Regency Auction 45 (Legend Rare Coin Auctions, 5/2021), lot 350, $114,563; Central States Signature (Heritage, 5/2022), lot 3954, $108,000.
4. PR66 Ultra Cameo NGC CAC. ANA Signature (Heritage, 3/2011), lot 4730, $80,500.
5. PR66 Ultra Cameo NGC. Baltimore Auction (Bowers and Merena, 3/2005), lot 2284, $73,600.
6. PR65 Deep Cameo PCGS CAC. Bender Family Collection, Part III (Heritage, 2/2023), lot 3676, $102,000.
7. PR65 Cameo PCGS CAC. F.C.C. Boyd Collection "World's Greatest Collection" (Numismatic Gallery, 1/1946), lot 278; Memorable Collection (Numismatic Gallery, 3/1948), lot 249; Harold S. Bareford Collection (Stack's, 12/1978), lot 133; FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2011), lot 5064, $40,250; Joan Zieg Steinbrenner Collection (Heritage, 8/2019), lot 3856, $78,000.
8. PR65 Cameo PCGS. Pre-Long Beach (Goldberg Auctions, 2/2007), lot 2221, $51,750; Ohringer Family Trust Holdings, Part II (Goldberg Auctions, 9/2008), lot 1236, $57,500; Kupersmith Collection (Bowers and Merena, 11/2010), lot 5008, $54,625.
9. PR65 Cameo PCGS. Bob R. Simpson Collection, Part VII (Heritage, 1/2022), lot 3785, $66,000.
10. PR65 PCGS. Dell Loy Hansen Collection.(Registry values: P4)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 28A3, PCGS# 98026, Greysheet# 8697)

Weight: 5.02 grams

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper

View Certification Details from PCGS