1860-S Three Dollar Indian Princess Gold (1860-S $3) NGC VF30 CAC. By 1860, California had changed from a regular state with a large number of citizens and pioneers that no one had expected 15 years earlier. The discovery of gold in 1848 had led to a major emigration rush to the most western area of the continent, and soon gold coinage was abundant in all places, even the tiniest mining camp.

In 1860, the San Francisco Mint had already been open for six years, most of the small mining camps were abandoned and major companies had taken over the mining activities. As a result, life was becoming normal in the state, and the $3 gold piece was used.

Introduced in 1854, this unusual denomination was meant to make it easy to acquire sheets of 100 3 cent piece, the most frequently used stamp of the time. While this might sound strange in modern times, postage was very important in the lives of 19th century Americans. No other communication methods existed, and the people had to rely on the mail system to get in touch with family for away.

The present specimen, one of only a few branch mint issues of this denomination, and is according to Akers is one of the unsung heroes in the $3 Princess series which circulated for some time in the western states. Lightly toned to a very nice yellow-golden color, this coin is a premium example of this interesting and rare denomination. Completely original and scarce as such. Certified by CAC for premium quality, this coin is sure to please any collector of 19th century gold as it is at the upper end of the grade spectrum and is exceptional quality.

In its population report as of August 2013, CAC shows only this one single 1860-S in VF30 with a mere 9 better and only 13 in all grades.