1857 $3 Indian Princes
| Weight | 5.015 grams |
| Diameter | 20.5 mm |
| Mint | Philadelphia |
| Mintage | 20,891 |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Alignment | ↑↓ Coin |
| Composition | 90% Gold, 10% Copper |
| Melt Value | $662.58 (spot as of ) |
| Designer | James B. Longacre |
| Collector's Key ID | CK-5626 |
Philadelphia struck 20,891 three-dollar gold pieces in 1857. The Panic of 1857 hit that August, but production of the denomination had already been committed for the year. PCGS estimates roughly 100 to 150 survive. Circulated examples in VF to EF are available at auction. The 1857 is modestly scarce, sitting in the middle range of three-dollar gold piece availability. The Panic of 1857 struck in August, but gold coins maintained their value while paper currency became suspect. The coin's scarcity is well documented in numismatic references. Problem-free examples with honest wear and no damage carry premiums reflecting the limited supply available to collectors. Authentication and certification by PCGS or NGC are recommended for any example offered at a significant premium.
| Grade | Description | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|
| G-4 | Good (G) | — |
| VG-8 | Very Good (VG) | — |
| F-12 | Fine (F) | — |
| VF-20 | Very Fine (VF) | $930–$1,070 |
| EF-40 | Extremely Fine (EF) | $1,110–$1,280 |
| AU-50 | About Uncirculated (AU) | $1,325–$1,530 |
| MS-60 | Uncirculated (MS) | $2,880–$3,325 |
| MS-63 | Choice Uncirculated (MS) | $7,395–$7,830 |
This table is for educational purposes only and is intended to illustrate general market price trends and pricing steps between grades. Actual market conditions may vary significantly, especially for rarer pieces that often command premiums above the ranges shown here.
No major varieties are known for this issue.
View all $3 Indian Princess varieties →- PCGS CoinFacts: $3 Indian Princess
- NGC Coin Explorer: $3 Indian Princess
- Heritage Auctions Archives
- Stack's Bowers Auction Archives
- A Guide Book of United States Coins (The Red Book)