$3 Gold Date Set, Circulation Strikes (1854-1889)

The $3 gold piece was first issued in 1854, and the series lasted until 1889. While several dates were hoarded to a limited extent, most $3 gold issues are rare in any mint state grade, let alone in MS65 or better. With a $2.50 gold coin being minted, usage of the $3 was limited, and it was never popular with the pubic. A Date Set of $3s is surprisingly tough, due largely to the fact that most mintages after 1857 were quite low (typically under 5,000 pieces per year) and that branch mint issues also ended after 1860. The toughest dates will be the 1877 followed by the 1858 and 1873.