Numismatic

1878 $3 Gold Princess MS-62 NGC

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In the nineteenth century, the United States experimented with unusual currency denominations, resulting in fascinating issues like the three-dollar gold coin. Minted in 1878, this specific piece represents a curious chapter in American monetary history. It was produced at the Philadelphia mint, which traditionally left its coinage without a mint mark. Out of a mintage of 82,304 pieces for that year, this specimen has survived in remarkable condition, graded as Mint State 62 (MS-62). Crafted from 0.900 fine gold with a gold content of 0.1451 troy ounces, the coin features a design known as the Gold Princess. The inscriptions on the coin include the country name, the denomination, and the year of production, 1878. Observing the details of a coin that escaped the heavy wear of daily commerce allows us to appreciate the distinct engraving style of the era, preserving a tangible connection to the late 1870s.