There are no mint records for the production of 1873 Three Dollar Gold Pieces (Buy on eBay) for circulation, however researchers have estimated that between 200 and 1,000 pieces were originally struck. At the lower end of the spectrum, this would rank the issue as one of the lowest mintage circulation strikes of the series.
The major grading services have certified slightly more than 100 examples of the issue, although this figure would include resubmissions. One of the finest known examples graded PCGS MS63 sold at auction in January 2014 for $61,687.50.
Proofs for this date were also stuck, and the mintage figure of 25 pieces is known. There are two distinct varieties for the proofs, identified by either a closed or open “3” in the date. All circulation strike examples of the date are of the closed 3 variety.
Coin Specifications
- Designer: James B. Longacre
- Composition: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
- Weight: 5.015 grams
- Diameter: 20.5 mm
- Edge: Reeded
