1878 $3 Indian Princess Three Dollar PCGS MS63

This is a coin with fantastic eye appeal. Just look at the photos of this beauty with the stunning Indian Princess design. Collectors have been going ‘gaga’ over the Indian Princess gold coins for well over 100 years! The 1878 issue is a popular type coin, one of a trio that collectors typically chose along with the 1854 and 1874.

Ron Guth writes on PCGS Coinfacts, “The 1878 is known for its frosty luster which, on high grade pieces, has a shimmering effect that is simply lovely. The strike is usually good, but sometimes weak on the knot at the base of the wreath.” There are many 1878 $3 Indian Princess coins for numismatists to collect. Why is that so? Of this issue, Heritage Auctions writes, “Struck in large quantity in anticipation of paper bill redemptions that never occurred, many 1878 three dollar pieces remained undisturbed at the Philadelphia Mint. Several high-grade examples escaped melting, and few pieces circulated.”

Self-portrait of James B. Longacre, the artist-engraver who gave us the stunning Indian Princess design on gold coinage. Photo: wikipedia.