$3 Princess Gold Piece

United States Mint • 1854–1889 • .900 Fine Gold

The $3 Princess Gold Piece is one of the most distinctive, coveted, and enigmatic denominations in United States numismatics. Struck from 1854 through 1889, this unusual gold denomination was introduced to facilitate the purchase of postage stamps and $3 sheets of bank notes during the nation’s early commercial expansion. Despite its intended utility, the public rarely used the denomination, making the $3 gold piece one of the most limited-mintage and collectible gold issues in U.S. history.

Designed by James B. Longacre, the $3 Princess features an elegant Native American headdress motif symbolizing America’s growing national identity. The reverse bears a wreath encircling the denomination and date. These coins were produced in small quantities at the Philadelphia, Dahlonega, New Orleans, and San Francisco mints — with low survival rates due to melting and limited circulation.

Key dates include the 1854 D, an exceptionally rare Southern gold issue, along with the 1875 and 1876, both struck only in proof format for collectors. High-grade examples, especially those certified by PCGS and NGC, are fiercely pursued by advanced collectors for their rarity, beauty, and historical importance.

With a gold content of approximately .1451 troy ounces, the $3 Princess holds a special prestige in pre-1933 gold—a niche, elite denomination symbolizing refinement and scarcity. For serious collectors and wealth preservation clients, these coins represent both a precious metal asset and a historical treasure from America’s golden age of minting.

At Freedom Capital Reserve, we source exceptional $3 Princess examples with emphasis on originality, eye appeal, and certified survival rarity—elite legacy-grade assets suited for long-term preservation and generational wealth.

Freedom Capital Reserve — Hard Assets • Real Value • Built for Generations