Only 5,959 $3 gold pieces were struck as the Civil War began in 1861, and this is a delightful AU53, lightly circulated with boldly defined devices and ample surviving luster in the fields. A few stray lines are seen, but the eye appeal is wonderfully original and high end for the AU53 grade. Most have been conserved, as evidenced by the tiny CAC approval rate. PCGS 33, NGC 32, CAC 4. No CAC approved example has ever sold in auction, and the most recent NGC-graded coin brought $4,406 in March 2014. Both the CAC CPG and Collectors Universe values are listed at $4,500 and this coin will bring close to that--the eye appeal is great! Cert. Number 37681810 PCGS # 7982.00