In the mid-1970s, David Akers wrote that, "the 1862 is the most underrated three-dollar gold piece in choice uncirculated condition in the 1860's." This statement remains as true today as it did then. Bullion supplies dwindled at the Philadelphia Mint and coins rapidly disappeared from circulation, to be replaced by low denomination "shinplasters" and the 5,750 pieces produced in 1862 were delivered by the coiner on February 6, the same day then-Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant captured Fort Henry in Western Tennessee, his first major victory of the war. The dies for this issue bear vertical striations on both the obverse and reverse, a diagnostic feature most readily apparent in high grade examples. Between 200 and 250 examples are known in all grades of which perhaps less than 40 may be found in Mint State which seldom appear on the market. Gem Mint State specimens are exceedingly rare.

The example to the left was sold by Stack's Bowers Galleries in the Spring 2022 Showcase Auction, where it realized $108,000.