1854 $3 Indian Princess Head NGC AU58

Key Features:

Certification and Grade:

• NGC AU58:
  • About Uncirculated grade with minimal wear, mainly on the highest points.
  • Retains nearly full luster and strong details, with only slight evidence of circulation.

Specifications:

• Mint Year: 1854.
• Mint Mark: None, indicating it was struck at the Philadelphia Mint.
• Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper.
• Actual Gold Weight: 0.1451 troy ounces.
• Diameter: 20.5 mm.
• Edge: Reeded.

Design:

Obverse:

• Features the Indian Princess Head, designed by James B. Longacre.
• Depicts Lady Liberty wearing a feathered headdress resembling a Native American design.
• Inscription: “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” encircles the portrait.

Reverse:

• Showcases a wreath of tobacco, corn, wheat, and cotton, symbolizing American agricultural abundance.
• Inscriptions include the denomination “$3” and the year “1854”.

Historical Significance:

1. Introduction Year:
   • The $3 gold piece was introduced in 1854 and struck until 1889.
   • This coin represents the first year of issue, making it particularly significant for collectors.
2. Purpose:
   • The $3 denomination was intended to simplify transactions involving sheets of 100 three-cent stamps, introduced in 1851.
3. Minting Challenges:
   • The $3 gold coin never gained widespread use due to its unconventional denomination, resulting in relatively low mintages.

Collector Appeal:

1. First-Year Mintage:
   • Approximately 138,618 coins were minted in Philadelphia in 1854, making it the highest mintage of the series, but still scarce compared to other denominations.
2. Historical Context:
   • The coin offers a window into mid-19th-century U.S. economic and numismatic history.
3. AU58 Grade:
   • Near-Mint State condition with excellent eye appeal.
   • A grade like AU58 is attractive to collectors seeking high-quality coins without the premium of Mint State prices.
4. Design Significance:
   • The Indian Princess Head design is iconic and uniquely American, distinct from other U.S. gold coins of the era.

Conclusion:

The 1854 $3 Indian Princess Head Gold Coin NGC AU58 is a standout collectible due to its historical significance, beautiful design, and first-year mintage. It appeals to numismatists interested in U.S. gold coins, 19th-century history, or unique denominations. Whether as an investment or centerpiece in a collection, it is a valuable and iconic piece.