1865 Three Dollar Gold $3 NGC MS61. All Civil War coins range from very scarce to extremely rare, with only a few exceptions. For the Branch Mint issues, most notably San Francisco, this is due to the heavy circulation of gold coins in the western states. For the Philadelphia issues, such as the present, the rarity of virtually every gold coin minted in this historic period in American history, is due to an extremely low mintage. As an example, the present coin only saw 1,140 coins minted in 1865, and needless to say its a very difficult issue to acquire. Combined with the fact that most known examples are well-circulated, heavy attrition also took its toll, with uncirculated survivors in the distinct minority.

As most advanced gold coin collectors will know the three dollar gold denomination is relatively unpopular with collectors. Yet, there are many historic issues included in the series, which was struck from 1854 to 1889, but saw virtually no circulation except in the early years. As a result, even long after the Civil War when gold coins had reentered circulation mintages were low, and basically this denomination was only struck for collectors. This is a situation which is similar to another denomination that saw its end in 1889, the gold dollar, which had been introduced in 1849 shortly after the gold rush in California commenced.

While collecting date sets of three dollar gold pieces is not immensely popular, collecting specific date ranges or along with other sets is a feasible possibility. An example of such a set is the gold coinage which was struck at the Mints during the American Civil War. With virtually every coin in the set difficult to acquire in any grade, this is a set which might take a lifetime to complete. However, with growing interest in this set (especially with the sesquicentennial of the War coming up in 2011), more collectors will try to assemble such a set, and prices are destined to rise. As such, this coin could also prove to be a valuable investment piece.

The coin itself is one of the few uncirculated examples that have survived of this issue. With excellent eye-appeal, the deep orange-golden color stands out. This is the natural coloration of this issue, but thanks to dipping and cleaning is only found on a very limited number of coins. Minor marks are noted on both sides, but none are overly distracting, and these are normal for the grade. The strike is full and sharp on both sides. A great and rare coin which is seldom offered in any condition, this coin is also very lustrous, with no luster breaks visible on either side. This coin has been certified b NGC in a new holder.