$3 Gold Pieces

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At LCR Coin, we specialize in certified rare coins, modern collectibles, Pre-1933 gold, and precious metals backed by over 35 years of industry experience. Whether you are building a collection, investing in gold and silver, or searching for sought-after modern releases, we focus on offering quality products backed by respected grading services and professional customer support.

We specialize in certified coins from leading grading companies including NGC, PCGS, and CAC, along with premium U.S. Mint releases, low-mintage issues, and advanced designation coins. Every order is handled with care, secure packaging, and a commitment to transparency from purchase to delivery.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Why buy from LCR Coin?

LCR Coin has been a trusted rare coin and precious metals dealer for over 30 years, offering certified rare coins, modern releases, and gold & silver bullion from the industry’s leading grading services.

As an Authorized Dealer for PCGS, NGC, and CAC, we are committed to providing collectors and investors with high-quality certified coins, competitive pricing, secure shipping, and exceptional customer service.

Estimated delivery dates are provided on the product page and are subject to change based on U.S. Mint or supplier release schedules. 

More About This Collection

$3 Gold Pieces (1854–1889)

Explore certified $3 Gold Coins, also known as Three Dollar Gold Pieces, issued by the United States Mint from 1854 through 1889. Designed by Chief Engraver James B. Longacre, these historic Pre-1933 U.S. gold coins feature Liberty wearing a Native American-inspired feathered headdress, commonly referred to as the Indian Princess design.

Collectors value Three Dollar Gold Coins for their unusual denomination, limited production, historic mintmarks, and scarce dates. Certified examples graded by PCGS, NGC, and CACG, along with CAC-approved coins, offer collectors opportunities to explore this distinctive nineteenth-century gold series.

History of the $3 Gold Coin

The Three Dollar Gold Piece was authorized by Congress on February 21, 1853, and first issued in 1854. Its introduction followed the California Gold Rush, when increasing gold supplies contributed to changes in American coinage.

The denomination is often associated with the postal system of the period. At a time when a first-class postage stamp cost three cents, a three-dollar gold coin could purchase a sheet of 100 stamps. However, historians continue to debate the precise reasoning behind the denomination's introduction.

Unlike more familiar gold denominations, the $3 Gold Coin never achieved widespread circulation. Production remained relatively limited throughout much of the series, making surviving examples an interesting area of Pre-1933 U.S. gold collecting.

The $3 Gold Coin Design

James B. Longacre designed the Three Dollar Gold Piece with a left-facing portrait of Liberty wearing a feathered headdress. The inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" surrounds the portrait.

The reverse features an agricultural wreath incorporating corn, cotton, wheat, and tobacco, surrounding the denomination "3 DOLLARS" and the date.

The design shares artistic elements with Longacre's Indian Princess Gold Dollar, although the Three Dollar Gold Piece represents a separate denomination and series.

Rare Dates and Historic Mintmarks

Most $3 Gold Coins were produced at the Philadelphia Mint, with limited branch-mint production during the first year of issue.

1854-D Dahlonega $3 Gold Coin

The 1854-D is among the most significant rarities in Southern branch-mint gold coinage. Only 1,120 examples were struck at the Dahlonega Mint in Georgia, making it the only Three Dollar Gold Piece produced at that facility.

1854-O New Orleans $3 Gold Coin

The 1854-O was the only Three Dollar Gold Piece struck at the New Orleans Mint. With a reported mintage of 24,000 coins, it remains an important first-year branch-mint issue.

Other Notable Dates

The 1854 Philadelphia issue marks the beginning of the series, while the 1875 and 1876 proof-only issues are among its most significant rarities. The 1889 issue represents the final year of production.

Collecting Certified $3 Gold Coins

Collectors evaluating certified Three Dollar Gold Pieces often consider:

  • Date and Mintmark: First-year issues, Southern branch-mint coins, and low-mintage dates are important areas of interest.

  • Certified Grade: About Uncirculated (AU) and Mint State (MS) examples offer different levels of preservation and availability.

  • Originality: Natural surfaces, remaining mint luster, and attractive color contribute to collector appeal.

  • Strike Quality: Sharp design details and overall eye appeal are important considerations.

  • Certification: PCGS, NGC, and CACG grading, along with CAC approval, help collectors evaluate authenticity, condition, and quality.

Whether selecting a single example or building a specialized collection by date and mintmark, the $3 Gold Coin offers a distinctive combination of American history, artistic design, and numismatic rarity.

$3 Gold Coin Specifications

  • Years of Issue: 1854–1889

  • Designer: James B. Longacre

  • Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper

  • Weight: 5.015 grams

  • Gold Content: 0.14512 troy ounces

  • Diameter: 20.5 mm

  • Edge: Reeded

  • Mints: Philadelphia, Dahlonega (1854-D), and New Orleans (1854-O)

  • Mintmarks: D, O, or no mintmark for Philadelphia