PCGS Number: 7992
Coin Date: 1870-S
Denomination (Short): $3
Denomination (Long): $3 Gold
Desg: SP
Prefix: Major Rarity
Mint Mark: S
Composition: 90% gold; 10% copper
Mintage: unique
Strike Type: Business
Coinage Type: Princess head three dollar gold
Coinage Years: 1854-1889
Mint Location: San Francisco
Diameter: 20.5
Fineness: 0.9
Weight (Grams): 5.015
Weight (Ounces): 0.14512
Designer: James B. Longacre
Edge: Reeded
Obverse Description: The head of a Native American princess with a crown of feathers atop her head. The words UNITED STATES OF AMERICAN circle the periphery from 7 o'clock to 5 o'clock.
Reverse Description: "3 DOLLARS" is centered with date below, surrounded by a large wreath tied in a bow at the bottom.
General Notes: A major rarity among all U.S. coins, and perhaps one of the most desired of all U.S. gold pieces (like the 1822 $5). Only one example exists in private hands (ex: Bass). PCGS graders determined the coin to be struck as a "special strike," designated by SP, rather than MS. The other example exists in the cornerstone of the U.S. mint building in San Francisco. It may one day become available and likely in excellent (pristine?) condition. <br><br> The mintmark for this specific coin was hand-punched and differs from the mint mark punch of other S-mint gold coins of the era.

1870-S $3