1855 (S) Proof Indian Princess Three Dollar

Coin Details

Auction Record

$2,160,000 PR64CAM 02-12-2023 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1855 (S) Proof Indian Princess Three Dollar is a proof dollar struck at the San Francisco Mint, part of the Indian Princess Three Dollars 1854-1889 series. With a mintage of 2, this is an extremely rare issue — the higher-mintage of the two mint variants, representing 0% of production. The obverse features a female figure wearing a feathered headdress, representing Liberty in the guise of a Native American princess, similar to but distinct from the gold dollar design and the reverse displays a wreath of tobacco, wheat, corn, and cotton enclosing the denomination 3 DOLLARS and date. Struck during the California Gold Rush era, when vast quantities of western gold transformed the American economy and led to new denominations. As a proof issue, this coin was struck multiple times on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies, producing mirror-like fields and frosted design elements prized by collectors. Struck at the San Francisco Mint, established during the California Gold Rush and now primarily producing proof and collector coins. Estimated market value is approximately $972K. Struck in 90% gold, 10% copper, weighing 5.02 grams, 20.5 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #88054.