1876 $3 PR65 Cameo PCGS. CAC. JD-2, R.6....

Click the image to load the highest resolution version.

Sold on Aug 14, 2024 for:

$126,000.00 Bid Source: HA.com/Live bidder

Get one of these:

Share this lot

Track Item Printable Auction Results

Sell One of These

Description

Auction Info

Guides & Info

Description

1876 Three Dollar, PR65 Cameo
Rare Proof-Only Gold Issue

1876 $3 PR65 Cameo PCGS. CAC. JD-2, R.6. The 1876 is one of the great rarities of the three dollar proof gold series, being struck only in proof format, to the extent of merely 45 pieces. These pieces were delivered on two occasions: 20 coins on February 19, and 25 more on June 13. The two deliveries are relatively similar in mintage total, and one cannot help but notice that the two die varieties of this issue are similar in rarity. John Dannreuther, in United States Proof Coins, Volume IV: Gold, provides an estimated rarity of 16 to 20 pieces for both the JD-1 and JD-2 die pairs. It is conceivable that the two die pairs represent the two different deliveries of the issue.

The existence of two die varieties was not long recognized. In his Proof Encyclopedia, Walter Breen recorded only one die variety, known in two die states, but noted "Harry Bass says there is another." Because of this notation, Dannreuther attributes the discovery of the second variety to Bass. Bass most assuredly was the first to recognize the existence of two die pairs, which Breen overlooked as simply two die states of the same variety. Differentiating the two varieties can be difficult, as the differences in date placement are minute. A more definitive diagnostic can be found on the obverse, where the JD-1 issue shows a small die lump at the corner of Liberty's eye, and the JD-2 obverse does not. Additional differences appear in the die rust lumps and die lines evident in the headdress of the two obverses.

In any event, an 1876 three dollar piece of either variety is a major rarity. We have seen examples of the date on limited occasions, and we believe there are perhaps no more than a dozen coins finer than the current piece, counting both numerically finer specimens and Deep Cameos in the same grade. This Gem Cameo is firmly near the Condition Census, however, showing pronounced contrast on each side beyond what is normally expected of the Cameo category. The strike is sharp, and each side displays natural wheat-gold color without distracting marks or blemishes. A simply beautiful example of this coveted rarity. Population: 2 in 65 Cameo, 0 finer. CAC: 1 in 65, 1 finer (6/24).(Registry values: N10218)
From The Benedict Family Collection.

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 28AJ, PCGS# 88040, Greysheet# 8737)

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
Weight: 5.02 grams
AGW: 0.16oz

View all of [The Benedict Family Collection ]

View Certification Details from PCGS