1883 $3 Indian Princess Three Dollar PCGS AU53 - mintage only 900!

With its miniscule mintage of 900, this beauty would be the perfect addition to your collection. And even though the mintage is under 1,000, it is not as rare as one would expect. That is why it is an affordable option if you wish to add a gold coin to your numismatic holdings. PCGS has graded 9 as AU53 with 204 finer. Collectors Universe gives it a price of $4,250.00.

The Second Philadelphia Mint, where this beauty was struck in 1854.

Authorized by the Coinage Act of February 21, 1853, the three-dollar gold piece did not see much circulation during the years of its production (1854-1889). These gold pieces were found in everyday commerce in the East and Midwest until 1861, after which they were hoarded during the Civil War. During the 1860s, less than 10,000 pieces were minted each year. In 1874 and 1878, production was ramped up significantly in anticipation of broader circulation. The West Coast saw regular circulation throughout the series mintage because Westerners refused to use paper money, fractional currency, and stamp currency. Even though the $3 Indian Princess coins were typically not used in day-to-day business transactions, there was much collecting interest. Beginning in 1879, speculators saved $3 gold pieces, resulting in numerous examples being available today in the 21^st century.