$3 Gold Piece
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Spanning 1854 to 1889, the $3 Gold Piece catalog contains 71 year-and-mintmark variants. Across the series, the key date is the 1874 $3 Gold Piece at just 20 struck and the highest-value variant is the 1860-S $3 Gold Piece at up to $390,000 in top grade.
$3 Gold Piece · All Strikes Mintage by Year
Peak 164KCombined mintage per year across every strike type (circulated, proof, and specimen) and all mintmarks.
About the $3 Gold Piece
The $3 gold piece was a rare United States coin minted from 1854 to 1889. The Coins were created in response to the high demand for a denomination larger than the $1 gold piece. The coins weigh 5.01 grams and have a composition of 90 percent gold and 10 percent copper.
The coins have a face value of three United States Dollars and are made of a standard gold planchet. The design of the coin has an obverse that features a head and shoulder depiction of an Indian Bust facing left with the inscription “Liberty” below the bust. The reverse of the coin has "United States of America" in the center with the face value of the coin encircled by thirteen stars.
The design and composition of the $3 gold piece have remained relatively consistent throughout its lifespan. The designer of the coin is James Longacre, and the coins were minted at the Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dahlonega, and New Orleans Mint.
Collectors of the $3 gold piece highly value the coins due to their rarity. While the coins were not regularly issued by the Mint, they are considered one of the rarer American coins. The most common date for the $3 gold piece is the 1879 date, and the rarest date is the 1880 date.
Because of their rarity, the coins typically command high premiums. Depending on the grade, $3 gold pieces can range in value from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. A $3 gold piece in excellent condition, known as MS-65 or better, can be worth upwards of $25,000 or more.
Overall, the $3 gold piece is a rare and valuable coin that is highly prized by collectors. Its rarity and historical significance make it a must have for any coin enthusiast’s collection.
Most-collected $3 Gold Piece coins on LuckyCoin
Looking for coins from a specific year across every denomination? Browse US coin values by year →
Which $3 Gold Piece coins do collectors actually own? See the 2026 rarity & ownership report →
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was the $3 Gold Piece minted?
- The $3 Gold Piece was minted by United States from 1854 to 1889.
- How many $3 Gold Piece coins were minted?
- Across every year and mintmark, approximately 539,881 $3 Gold Piece coins were struck.
- What mintmarks exist for the $3 Gold Piece?
- $3 Gold Piece coins were struck with the following mintmarks: DA, O, S. Some years were also produced without a mintmark.
- What is the $3 Gold Piece made of?
- The $3 Gold Piece is made of gold (.900) (.100 copper), weighs 5.015 grams, and measures 20.5 mm in diameter.
- How much is a $3 Gold Piece worth?
- Value depends on year, mintmark, and condition. Common dates in average circulated condition trade for near face value, while the rarest varieties in top grade can fetch up to $390,000. See individual year pages for grade-by-grade estimates.