Opinion on this raw piece of 1878 3-dollar gold.

RunnersDad

I do not own this coin, but came very close. The photo leads me to believe that this 3 dollar gold piece is MS, but I know that pictures don't tell the whole story. What are your thoughts on grade and the overall look of this coin?

agentjim007

raw gold is a gamble, many counterfeits.

CaptHenway

Can't tell if it is genuine or not, but looks like it was used in jewelry.
I suspect a solder mounting on the edge at 12 o'clock.
TD

tightbudget

ex. jewelry I'd consider yourself lucky you didn't own it

RunnersDad

<< <i>Can't tell if it is genuine or not, but looks like it was used in jewelry.
I suspect a solder mounting on the edge at 12 o'clock.
TD >>



I didn't notice that before. Very good eye.

relicsncoins

1 and 3 dollar gold is heavily couterfieted. I would be really leery about purchasing it. Nothing more than a gut feeling as I don't know much about gold but the surfaces, they look altered or down right fake to me.

AUandAG

From that pic it looks to be a fake. Much too high of a relief. Detail in the feather veins/ribs are mushy.
Get it graded first. Detail in the reverse bow is non existant.

bob

PerryHall

<< <i>Can't tell if it is genuine or not, but looks like it was used in jewelry.
I suspect a solder mounting on the edge at 12 o'clock.
TD >>



I had the same thought. Cleaned and polished. Ex-jewelry.

RWB

From about 1890 to 1912 a prized “perk” of Republican politicians was permitting the wives & daughters of prominent visitors to pick a $1 or $3 gold coin from the private hoard controlled by the Treasurer of the US. The coins were then mounted in necklaces, pins and other jewelry.

For the last 15 years of issue, gold dollars were primarily used as jewelry items. $3 were also popular for this purpose.