1870 $3 Indian Princess Three Dollar PCGS AU55

Here’s an attractive, low mintage gold piece to add to your collection. For a number of years after the Civil War, gold and silver coins were rarely seen in everyday commerce. Instead, they were hoarded by those who could afford to do so. Consequently, the Philadelphia Mint struck small amounts of coins, seeing little reason to produce coins that would mostly be saved. That accounts for the small mintage of 3,500 specimens of the $3 gold piece in 1870.

Mint Director James Pollock considered the situation in the 1870 Mint report: “...Emerging from a tremendous Civil War which shook every social interest to the very foundation, it is no wonder that our currency continues in an abnormal condition. Most of our people rarely get the sight of a gold or silver coin.”

PCGS has graded 49 examples as AU55 with 97 finer. Collectors Universe gives this issue a price of $4,250.00 in AU55.

U.S. Mint Chief Engraver James B. Longacre, who crafted the beautiful Indian Princess design for gold coinage. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.