3 Dollar Gold Coin Values
How Much 3 Dollar Gold Coin
Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | U-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 | MS-67 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1800 | P | Plain 4- Stemless Wreath | Red-brown | 200 | 300 | 400 | 500 | 600 | 700 | 800 | 900 | 1000 | 1200 | 1100 |
| Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | MS-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1854 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $900 | $1,000 | $1,057 | $1,317 | $1,634 | $2,655 | $4,565 | $7,610 | $15,350 | $36,800 |
| 1854 | D | -- | -- | $20,000 | $25,000 | $27,100 | $41,500 | $65,495 | $228,500 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 1854 | O | -- | -- | $1,853 | $2,185 | $2,600 | $3,665 | $5,215 | $57,250 | $219,500 | -- | -- | -- |
| 1855 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $900 | $1,000 | $1,057 | $1,317 | $1,643 | $2,780 | $5,985 | $9,070 | $31,675 | $49,250 |
| 1855 | S | -- | -- | $1,313 | $1,668 | $2,178 | $3,795 | $6,813 | $52,250 | $146,000 | $301,500 | -- | -- |
| 1856 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $900 | $1,000 | $1,057 | $1,317 | $1,698 | $3,680 | $7,425 | $10,535 | $43,000 | $69,750 |
| 1856 | S | -- | -- | $1,115 | $1,225 | $1,410 | $2,185 | $3,180 | $14,388 | $65,250 | $100,400 | -- | -- |
| 1857 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $900 | $1,000 | $1,057 | $1,330 | $1,671 | $4,000 | $8,300 | $18,400 | $41,500 | $69,750 |
| 1857 | S | -- | -- | $1,033 | $1,212 | $1,405 | $2,740 | $5,875 | $28,500 | $74,000 | $106,250 | $215,000 | $315,000 |
| 1858 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | -- | $2,000 | $1,945 | $2,960 | $4,218 | $17,150 | $23,650 | $46,325 | $67,500 | -- |
| 1859 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $900 | $1,000 | $1,155 | $1,551 | $2,007 | $4,513 | $10,875 | $14,500 | $26,850 | $45,375 |
| 1860 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $1,025 | $1,200 | $1,250 | $1,825 | $3,195 | $6,888 | $11,393 | $17,700 | $39,000 | $62,250 |
| 1860 | S | -- | -- | $1,715 | $2,130 | $2,600 | $5,530 | $9,040 | $37,600 | $153,500 | $390,000 | -- | -- |
| 1861 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $1,250 | $1,750 | $2,240 | $4,175 | $6,250 | $12,225 | $20,200 | $29,750 | $39,700 | $54,650 |
| 1862 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $1,600 | $2,150 | $2,310 | $4,730 | $6,000 | $11,825 | $20,050 | $27,100 | $52,300 | $66,550 |
| 1863 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,660 | $2,905 | $4,510 | $12,560 | $18,675 | $21,025 | $35,125 | $48,150 |
| 1864 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | -- | -- | $2,187 | $4,400 | $5,670 | $11,338 | $18,250 | $27,250 | $48,000 | $67,500 |
| 1865 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $3,000 | $3,750 | $4,055 | $6,280 | $10,150 | $20,200 | $30,150 | $50,200 | $70,250 | $108,700 |
| 1866 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,248 | $1,697 | $2,340 | $7,050 | $11,530 | $14,600 | $42,600 | $57,000 |
| 1867 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | -- | $1,350 | $1,705 | $2,640 | $3,705 | $9,620 | $17,550 | $28,200 | $48,400 | $67,500 |
| 1868 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,512 | $1,990 | $2,710 | $7,300 | $12,535 | $14,500 | $35,675 | $57,250 |
| 1869 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | -- | $1,500 | $1,963 | $2,793 | $3,340 | $6,788 | $18,625 | $30,300 | $57,000 | -- |
| 1870 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $1,200 | $1,550 | $1,695 | $2,213 | $2,785 | $7,880 | $14,600 | $33,900 | $46,750 | -- |
| 1871 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,645 | $2,393 | $3,125 | $9,238 | $13,550 | $21,575 | $41,350 | $61,400 |
| 1872 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,760 | $2,710 | $3,290 | $7,300 | $16,600 | $40,400 | $61,250 | -- |
| 1873 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | -- | -- | $6,600 | $12,250 | $16,950 | $33,875 | $57,650 | $75,500 | -- | -- |
| 1874 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $900 | $1,000 | $1,057 | $1,317 | $1,643 | $2,655 | $4,166 | $6,045 | $10,703 | $21,450 |
| 1877 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | -- | -- | $5,500 | $8,600 | $12,775 | $31,800 | $70,500 | $96,500 | $121,000 | -- |
| 1878 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $900 | $1,000 | $1,057 | $1,317 | $1,643 | $2,655 | $4,510 | $6,045 | $10,703 | $27,795 |
| 1879 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,205 | $1,760 | $2,082 | $4,590 | $7,755 | $12,995 | $16,150 | $25,850 |
| 1880 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | -- | $1,500 | $2,045 | $2,820 | $4,230 | $7,990 | $12,113 | $14,800 | $20,325 | $41,500 |
| 1881 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | -- | -- | $3,925 | $6,720 | $10,150 | $16,675 | $25,300 | $44,000 | $70,250 | $99,000 |
| 1882 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $1,430 | $1,763 | $2,123 | $2,923 | $3,650 | $7,550 | $10,533 | $13,110 | $25,850 | $42,600 |
| 1883 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | -- | $2,045 | $2,510 | $3,485 | $4,230 | $8,365 | $11,475 | $15,185 | $32,100 | $45,100 |
| 1884 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | -- | -- | $2,750 | $3,345 | $4,230 | $8,875 | $20,200 | $24,900 | $31,950 | $45,100 |
| 1885 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | -- | -- | $2,310 | $3,365 | $4,313 | $9,490 | $15,520 | $20,550 | $30,700 | $52,000 |
| 1886 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | -- | -- | $2,100 | $3,125 | $4,135 | $7,245 | $13,513 | $28,350 | $52,800 | -- |
| 1887 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,623 | $2,218 | $2,683 | $5,295 | $7,630 | $9,655 | $16,423 | $30,300 |
| 1888 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | -- | $1,375 | $1,570 | $2,005 | $2,573 | $4,950 | $6,870 | $8,795 | $14,520 | $24,450 |
| 1889 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $1,100 | $1,250 | $1,680 | $2,225 | $2,820 | $4,590 | $6,795 | $8,240 | $15,900 | $29,600 |
Three Dollar Gold Coin: A Unique Denomination in U.S. Coinage
The Three Dollar Gold Coin, minted from 1854 to 1889, is among the most intriguing denominations in American numismatics. Designed by James B. Longacre, this coin was introduced to streamline transactions involving postage stamps and purchasing sheets of 100 three-cent stamps. However, it never gained widespread use and remains one of the most fascinating and collectible gold coins ever issued by the U.S. Mint.
A Distinctive and Elegant Design
Longacre’s design for the Three Dollar Gold Coin is strikingly different from other gold coinage of the era. The obverse features Lady Liberty wearing a feathered headdress, often called the Indian Princess design, though it is a classical representation rather than an actual Native American likeness. The reverse is equally distinctive, displaying a wreath of wheat, corn, cotton, and tobacco, a nod to America’s agricultural strength, with the denomination “3 DOLLARS” prominently in the center.
This design change set it apart from other gold coins of the period and made it one of the most visually appealing pieces in U.S. coinage history. The Three Dollar Gold Coin is the only U.S. coin ever issued in this unusual denomination, making it a standout among collectors and historians.
Why Collectors Seek the Three Dollar Gold Coin
With its limited mintage, unique denomination, and elegant design, the Three-Dollar Gold Coin has long been a favorite among advanced numismatists. However, due to low circulation and limited demand, many were melted down over the years, leaving relatively few examples available today. $3 Gold Princesses, especially certified varieties, fetch premiums well above the value of their 0.1451 troy ounces of gold.
Starting Your Collection of Three Dollar Gold Coins
- Where to Find Them: Due to their rarity, these coins are best acquired through specialized numismatic auctions and high-end dealers.
- Desirable Features: Look for sharp feather details in Liberty’s headdress and well-defined lettering on the reverse.
- Storage Tips: Since gold is a soft metal, these coins should be stored in protective holders to prevent scratches or surface marks.
Key Dates and Scarce Varieties
Several dates in the Three Dollar Gold Coin series are particularly rare and valuable:
- 1854-D Three Dollar Gold Coin – The only issue struck at the Dahlonega Mint, with just 1,120 coins produced, making it one of the rarest and most sought-after pieces in the series.
- 1870-S Three Dollar Gold Coin – Thought to be unique, with only one known specimen, making it an extreme rarity.
- 1877 Three Dollar Gold Coin – A popular low-mintage issue, as production significantly declined this year.
- Notable Errors: Look for overdates, misaligned dies, and weak strikes, which add additional interest and value.
Investment Potential
Due to its short mintage period, historical uniqueness, and gold content, the Three Dollar Gold Coin is considered a highly desirable investment piece. Rare varieties and well-preserved examples consistently command premium prices, particularly in mint-state grades. The numismatic value of Three Dollar Gold Coins far outweighs the intrinsic value of their metal.
A Collectible with Enduring Appeal
The Three Dollar Gold Coin remains a numismatic curiosity, celebrated for its unusual denomination and beautiful design. Though it never found widespread use in commerce, it has found a lasting place in coin collecting. Whether acquired for its rarity, aesthetic appeal, or investment potential, this gold coin continues to captivate collectors more than a century after its final mintage.
