1868 Three Dollar Gold $3 PCGS AU55. This three dollar gold piece from the reconstruction era had a mintage of just 4,850 pieces, making it an issue with a limited supply. However, enough coins have survived to make this issue relatively affordable in circulated grades, despite the low mintage. However, finding higher graded examples is very difficult, with only the lower mint state examples being encountered after some searching. By the end of the 1860s this denomination had fallen into disuse, and many examples served as pocket pieces, were hoarded and/or later melted. Obviously, we do not know how this coin acquired this wear, but it is apparent that it only circulated for a short period.

Moderately prooflike fields display a number of hairlines, as frequently encountered on the Proofs of this date. However, the coin-turn alignment of the dies reveals that this coin is an early die-state business strike. All known Proofs have the dies aligned medal-turn. Light yellow golden color shows in the fields, with lighter citron-yellow color on the devices. Some light wear on the reverse limit the grade, but the reverse appears to be in nearly uncirculated condition. A nice coin for a type or date set, offered here for a relatively affordable price.