1889 Three Dollar Gold (1889 $3) NGC MS64. This mint state, lustrous 1889 Three Dollar Gold Coin could have been graded a gem. There are a couple of microscopic obverse specks and a slight patina in the fields on both sides that may be the reason for the grade assigned. The strike is strong on both sides, which is unusual for coins of this type. Clash marks are present on both the obverse and reverse, which are typical for this denomination. These do not detract from the grade. The coin is also struck from dies that were slightly rotated. This is a minting error that is not noted on the NGC label. Of all the gold coin series, Longacres Three Dollar Gold is in many ways the least complex. There was just one major design, the Indian Princess motif, and the coins were produced continuously from 1854 to 1889.

In 1851 a law was passed that authorized a three cent piece and also made the postage rate three cents. Two years later a new law was passed authorizing a light weight silver three-cent coin and a three dollar gold coin. Evidently lawmakers believed that the gold coin would be useful to buy rolls of three cent coins and sheets of stamps. Its closeness to the quarter eagle, which was widely used, made the denomination somewhat illogical, and the public proved indifferent to them.

The coin type was discontinued after 1889, and no official reason was given. On can conclude from the low mintages of the last ten years of its issuance, that there was little public demand or interest.