1859 $3.00 PCGS MS63 CAC

Let's say that you want a nice PCGS MS63 Three Dollar gold piece for your type set. You can buy a common date like an 1874 or an 1878 in this grade for around $5,000-5,500. Or you can spend an additional few thousand dollars and buy a coin that is genuinely scarce in this grade. To me, that's what makes this choice 1859 three dollar such an appealing coin. It is totally original and very high end for the grade with rich luster that is dusted with pale green-gold and rose shades. There are a few ticks in the left field and at the central reverse but the naked-eye appearance rivals coins of this date that I have seen in MS64. The 1859 is scarce in MS63, rare in MS64 and virtually unavailable in Gem. The last PCGS MS63 to sell at auction was Heritage 12/11: 4505 that brought $7,763.

1859 $1.00 PCGS MS66 CAC

While common in lower grades and available in Uncirculated up to the MS63 level, the 1859 gold dollar is rare in Gem. There were 168,000 struck but many were melted and unlike the low mintage dollars of the 1880's, no one was saving coins in the years leading up to the Civil War. This superb example has dazzling frosty luster and lovely pale rose hues below a rich orange-gold overtone. The surfaces are nearly free of any contact marks although a few mint-made clashmarks can be seen on both sides. A bit of striking weakness on the LL in DOLLAR and the 5 in the date is typical for the issue. This would make a great type coin for the collector who wants to own an early date Type Three gold dollar in essentially unimprovable condition. CAC has approved just two in this grade and two finer.

Ex Heritage 8/11: 5333 where it sold for $5,463.