Numismatic

1856 $3 Gold Princess AU-55 NGC

---

In 1856, the United States Mint produced a distinctive gold coin with a face value of three dollars. This specific denomination stands out in American numismatic history, representing a brief period when such unusual values were deemed necessary for commerce. Struck from 0.900 fine gold, this coin contains 0.1451 troy ounces of precious metal. The obverse of this piece features a detailed depiction of an Indian Princess. On the reverse, a decorative wreath encircles the central design elements. The reverse also clearly displays the coin's denomination of three dollars alongside the 1856 year of issue, as confirmed by the legible inscriptions "DOLLARS" and "1856". Only 26,010 of these coins were originally minted. Over the decades, a vast number of these pieces were melted down, making surviving examples particularly notable. This specimen has survived in About Uncirculated 55 condition, offering a fascinating glimpse into mid nineteenth century American coinage.