The mintage for the 1889 $3 gold piece was just 2,300 coins
all delivered in December, down more than 50% from the previous year’s total.
It was the final circulation-strike for the denomination and only about 200 to
250 Mint State examples can be accounted for, along with 100 to 130 circulated
pieces. Among the Uncirculated examples, most grade no finer than MS-64.
We are delighted to feature a superior MS-65 (PCGS) in lot
9172 of our November 2020 Showcase Auction. Housed in an Old Green PCGS
Holder, it is exceptionally well preserved and attractive, with highly lustrous
surfaces and an intense satin frosted finish. Modest reflectivity in the fields
enhances the strong eye appeal. Sharply struck with vivid rose-gold patina, finding
another coin as nice as this one will require significant patience.
This Gem 1889 $3 is being offered in lot
9172 our November 2020 Auction and is pedigreed to the Monterrey Collection
of U.S. Type Coins. The Monterrey Collection is a fresh, new-to-the-market
collection that was assembled over the second half of the 20th century and held
privately for decades. This spectacular cabinet is highlighted by a complete
set of Proof Morgan dollars (previously housed uncertified in a Capital
Plastics frame), as well as an array of iconic type coins and key-dates
including an MCMVII High Relief double eagle, a 1799 Capped Bust Right $10, and
an 1856 Flying Eagle cent. While many of these coins were submitted for grading
for the first time in recent weeks, others are housed in Old Green PCGS and Old
No-Line NGC holders. We certainly anticipate considerable excitement over the
Monterrey Collection when it crosses the auction block. The entire Stack’s
Bowers Galleries November 2020 sale is now available for viewing and bidding at
www.StacksBowers.com. If you would
like to consign to a future Showcase event or have questions about the
consignment process, contact us today at Consign@StacksBowers.com or
800-566-2580.
