In 1878, america of America was within the midst of a serious transformation from an agricultural society to an industrialized society—ushering within the Industrial
Revolution. Collectors who personal a coin from this era join tangibly to this historic time when America emerged as an industrial big and main financial energy on the worldwide stage.
The fast building of railroads opened up new components of our nation for folks to reside and work and ushered in vital financial progress. Manufacturing and new innovations developed shortly, resulting in the growth of metropolis residing and urbanization.
Throughout this era, the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia produced $3 gold items often known as the Indian Princess Head. Many individuals usually are not even conscious there was a three-dollar gold piece. It’s a hidden gem in gold numismatics certainly. The Indian Princess Head $3 gold coin was minted from 1854 by way of 1889
In case you are questioning why the U.S. Mint selected to supply a $3 coin, you aren’t alone. It’s an odd quantity in spite of everything. Numismatic consultants consider the explanation could be discovered on the publish workplace. When this coin was first minted a U.S. postal stamp value 3 cents. The $3 coin created a handy means for companies to buy 100 stamps in a single transaction!
The good-looking design of this coin is memorable for anybody who has ever seen it in particular person or held it of their hand. Many think about the $3 Indian Princess probably the most stunning gold cash struck within the nineteenth century. See the wealthy frosty luster and glowing patina that comes with this 147-year-old masterpiece right here.
James B. Longacre, the U.S. Mint’s chief engraver, designed the coin. Longacre was, for the primary time, given the liberty to create a design of his personal creativeness. Beforehand, he had been instructed to depend on Roman or Greek options in U.S. cash. For the $3 gold coin, Longacre was decided to create one thing uniquely American.
Longacre selected to focus on an American “Indian Princess” on the obverse. A lustrous orange-gold coloration, the coin exhibits a stunning Indian Princess adorned with a feathered headdress, with the phrases UNITED STATES OF AMERICA circling her. On the reverse, the date and denomination are surrounded by an agricultural wreath celebrating corn, tobacco, cotton, and wheat.
Minted in Philadelphia of 90% gold and 10% copper, the full mintage got here in at 82,304 cash. Survival estimates for all grades complete 25,000, but for grades 60 or higher solely 6,000.
Lately, collector curiosity in three-dollar gold items has surged. Are you Involved in constructing a set? One concept is to purpose to gather a four-mint set, which would come with from every of the U.S. Mint services that struck the $3 gold coin: Philadelphia, Dahlonega, New Orleans, and San Francisco. You possibly can begin immediately with this 1878 $3 gold coin MS65 struck in Philadelphia. See it right here.
