Three-Dollar Gold Piece (1854-1889)

Gold	$3,875.69
Silver	$49.46
Platinum	$1,434.23
Palladium	$976.61

The Three-Dollar Gold Piece, struck 1854 to 1889, is one of the most unusual United States coins, a 90% gold coin with a face value of three dollars.

Obverse (Front) Design

A left-facing head of Liberty in a feathered headdress, with the words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around.

Reverse (Back) Design

A wreath of crops, with the denomination and date inside.

Coin Specifications

Date Range

1854–1889

Denomination

3 Dollars

Designer / Engraver

James B. Longacre

Mints

Philadelphia, Dahlonega (1854), New Orleans (1854), San Francisco

Composition

90% gold, 10% copper

Precious Metal Content

About 0.1451 troy oz of pure gold

Weight

5.015 g

Diameter

20.5 mm

Edge

Reeded

Mintage

—

History & Background

The Three-Dollar Gold Piece was authorized by Congress in 1853 and first struck in 1854. It was designed by James B. Longacre. The three-dollar value is often explained as being useful for buying sheets of three-cent stamps and three-cent silver coins, though the coin never became popular.

It was struck at Philadelphia for the whole run and at Dahlonega, New Orleans and San Francisco in some early years. By the end of the 1800s there was little demand, and production ended in 1889.

Today the Three-Dollar Gold Piece is popular with collectors because of its unusual denomination and its small mintages.

Collecting Tips

Most dates are scarce, and many are priced well above gold value.
Check for cleaning, jewelry use and edge damage.
Buy certified coins from trusted dealers.

Photographs by Grade

Three-Dollar Gold Piece (1854-1889) AU55 obverse — AU55

Three-Dollar Gold Piece (1854-1889) AU58 obverse — AU58

Three-Dollar Gold Piece (1854-1889) MS61 obverse — MS61

Three-Dollar Gold Piece (1854-1889) MS62 obverse — MS62

Three-Dollar Gold Piece (1854-1889) MS63 obverse — MS63

Frequently Asked Questions about the Three-Dollar Gold Piece (1854-1889)

Why was there a three-dollar coin?

Congress authorized it in 1853. It is often explained as being convenient for postal purchases, but it never became popular.

How much gold is in it?

About 0.1451 troy ounces of pure gold.

Is it rare?

Many dates are scarce, since mintages were small.

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