LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 (ANA) Signature Coin Auction #444  / 

1871

1854-D $3 AU58 NGC

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:37,500.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1854-D $3 AU58 NGC
<B>1854-D $3 AU58 NGC.</B></I> Pedigreed to the celebrated Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection, this rare three dollar resides in the upper echelon of graded examples for the issue. Between 1854 and 1889, a total of 39 different three dollar business strike issues were produced, six of which saw a smaller mintage of coins than the 1854-D. This, of course, excludes the unique 1870-S Bass coin and the three proof-only issues. However, the 1854-D is less frequently encountered in high grade than any of the lower mintage issues. It is clear that the entirety of the scant production total of 1,120 pieces entered circulation. The six lower mintage threes were struck in the 1880s, toward the end of the series, and apparently were saved by astute collectors of that era. This fact is confirmed by a quick perusal of current population figures at NGC and PCGS. <BR> Beyond its obvious rarity in any grade, the 1854-D three holds the distinction of being the only issue of this odd denomination to be produced at the Dahlonega Mint in Georgia. It is not clear why Dahlonega only struck coins in the inaugural year of the three dollar series, which encompassed a 36-year period. It is obvious, however, that almost every extant example of this date suffers from the lack of quality common to Dahlonega gold coinage. Take, for example, the lack of dentilation on the current coin. Due to poorly prepared dies and improper press adjustments, nearly all 1854-D three dollars show weakness at the peripheries, sometimes severely, resulting in missing dentils. Such is the case with the three in this lot. Coincidentally, the arguably finest known 1854-D three is part of the Bass Core Collection and currently resides in the ANA Money Museum in Colorado Springs. That particular piece is perhaps the only known survivor boasting complete dentilation throughout and was highly prized by Mr. Bass. <BR> This is a remarkably bright and attractive piece that retains significant portions of mint luster. Well struck for the issue with just a bit of highpoint softness. There are no obvious pedigree markers on either side, just a couple of clash marks in the reverse fields. <BR><I>Ex: Herbert Tobias (2/1972); Bass II (Bowers & Merena, 10/1999), lot 651.<BR>From The DAX Collection.</B></I><BR><BR><B>Coin Engraver:</B> James B. Longacre<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Coins & Currency (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>\)
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