1859 Proof Indian Princess Three Dollar

Coin Details

Auction Record

$37,950 PR65 03-09-2004 American Numismatic Rarities

Description

The 1859 Proof Indian Princess Three Dollar is a proof dollar struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Indian Princess Three Dollars 1854-1889 series. With a mintage of 80, this is an extremely rare issue — the scarcer of two mint variants, with 1% of total 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 original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Estimated market value is approximately $23K. Struck in 90% gold, 10% copper, weighing 5.02 grams, 20.5 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #8022.