1857-S Three Dollar Gold (1857-S $3) PCGS AU55 - The 1857-S three dollar gold piece is a very scarce issue, with only 14,000 pieces struck for circulation. Although this is not a low number within the context of the series, the issue is seldom encountered in problem-free condition. Most of these saw heavy circulation though-out the western states, which had now become to be settled after the gold rush of the late 1840s. As a result, this issue is scarce in all grades and becomes rare in AU and exceedingly so in uncirculated grades.

The reason for the actual circulation of these pieces lays in the need of small gold denominations in California. In the eastern states, the three dollar gold pieces proved to be highly unpopular, and soon after their introduction in 1854 would cease circulation. In the western states however, pieces circulated though the Civil War years and sometime after that. As a result, modern-day collectors can easily find Philadelphia three dollar gold pieces in uncirculated condition, but have much more difficulty doing the same with coins produced in San Francisco.

The present coin is a wonderful, lustrous example of this underrated issue. Showing only the slightest indication of circulation, abundant luster remains on both sides, especially so in the protected areas. The coin has a nice orange-yellow gold color that is often found on gold coins from this era. The fields are free of notable marks, except for those usually encountered in this grade. A wholesome and scarce gold coin struck before the Civil War.