Finest Graded by NGC
The D. Brent Pogue Collection Part III, scheduled to cross the auction block in February in a Stack’s Bowers Galleries event in cooperation with Sotheby’s, is replete with treasures. One of the foremost is the 1875 three-dollar gold piece. In that year it is thought that only 20 were coined, all Proofs. None were made for circulation. The Pogue coin is Proof-66 Ultra Cameo (NGC), the finest graded by either NGC or PCGS.
This magnificent gem Proof is a showpiece. When we last offered it as part of the Kupersmith Collection we described the surfaces as follows, “Simply exquisite in all regards, both sides exhibit heavy cameo contrast between frosty devices and mirror-finish fields. With beautiful color and nary a detracting blemish to report, the importance of this coin cannot be overstated.”
The 20 coins reported by the Mint were part of full gold Proof sets of the year. It may be that some extra singles were made in 1875, but if so the number would have been small, as fewer than 20 are known today. Among all gold coins from dollars to double eagles, from 1795 to 1933, the 1875 $3 has long been one of the most famous, most acclaimed rarities.
The ownership of an 1875 Proof $3 is a badge of accomplishment, and the owner of the D. Brent Pogue Collection coin, the finest certified, will have a reason to be especially proud. We offer our congratulations in advance to the fortunate successful bidder!
