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The Certified $3 Gold Liberty 1855-S, graded with Fine details by NGC, is a fascinating and rare example of one of the most unique denominations in U.S. numismatic history. The $3 Gold Liberty series was introduced in 1854 and continued until 1889, making it one of the shortest-lived gold coin series produced by the U.S. Mint. The 1855-S issue holds particular historical significance as it was one of the first $3 gold coins struck at the San Francisco Mint, a facility that was established in response to the California Gold Rush. With a limited mintage and its connection to the early days of the San Francisco Mint, this coin is a highly sought-after piece for collectors, especially in grades like Fine where much of the design detail is still visible, despite circulation wear.
The $3 Gold Liberty coin was originally introduced as part of a broader effort to streamline U.S. coinage and make it more convenient for the purchase of postage stamps. In 1851, the price of first-class postage was reduced to three cents, and the U.S. Mint responded by issuing a silver three-cent coin, followed by the introduction of the $3 gold coin in 1854. While the intent behind the denomination was practical, the $3 coin never gained widespread popularity, likely due to its awkward denomination and limited circulation needs. As a result, mintage numbers for this series remained relatively low throughout its history, making surviving examples, particularly from the earlier years, scarce and valuable.
The obverse design of the 1855-S $3 Gold Liberty, created by U.S. Mint Chief Engraver James B. Longacre, is one of the most elegant and distinctive in American coinage. The design features a left-facing portrait of Liberty, wearing a headdress composed of a coronet inscribed with "LIBERTY" and adorned with feathers, similar to a Native American headdress. This portrayal of Liberty was likely inspired by Longacre's previous work on Native American-themed coin designs, and it reflects the 19th-century fascination with classical allegorical figures. Around the central portrait are 13 stars representing the original colonies, and the date "1855" is displayed at the bottom. In this Fine-grade example, the details of Liberty’s headdress and facial features are still visible, though there is some softness in the high points due to circulation wear.
The reverse of the 1855-S $3 Gold Liberty is equally striking, featuring a wreath composed of wheat and cotton, two important agricultural products of the United States during the mid-19th century. At the center of the wreath is the denomination "3 DOLLARS" and the date "1855." The reverse design was intended to symbolize the agricultural strength and prosperity of the nation. Above the wreath, the mintmark "S" is prominently displayed, signifying that this coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint. The reverse design elements remain clear and well-defined in this Fine details coin, although some wear is evident on the higher points of the wreath and lettering.
The San Francisco Mint, where the 1855-S $3 Gold Liberty was struck, was established in 1854 to serve the growing needs of the western United States, particularly in the wake of the California Gold Rush. Gold was being mined in large quantities, and the establishment of a mint in San Francisco allowed for more efficient coinage of gold coins without having to transport the metal to eastern mints. The 1855-S $3 gold coin is part of the first generation of coins produced at this new mint, making it historically significant. The San Francisco Mint is known for producing lower-mintage coins in its early years, and the 1855-S $3 Gold Liberty is no exception, with a mintage of only 6,600 coins. Many of these coins were lost, melted down, or heavily circulated, making surviving examples like this one quite rare today.
The $3 Gold Liberty series is relatively short-lived, as the denomination never found a strong foothold in American commerce. The series was discontinued in 1889, and many of the coins that were minted, particularly in the early years, saw extensive circulation, especially in the West. The 1855-S $3 Gold Liberty is a prime example of this, with many coins from this mintage exhibiting significant wear from use in commerce. The Fine details grade assigned by NGC to this coin indicates that while it has seen circulation, much of the original design remains intact, and the coin has been well-preserved given its age and rarity.
The Certified 1855-S $3 Gold Liberty in Fine condition is a coin that carries both historical and numismatic significance. Its association with the early days of the San Francisco Mint, its low mintage, and its connection to the California Gold Rush era all contribute to its desirability among collectors. The combination of the unique $3 denomination and the elegant design by James B. Longacre makes it a standout piece in any collection of U.S. gold coinage. Despite its circulation wear, this coin retains a significant amount of detail and remains a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of mid-19th-century American coinage.