1878 $3 (Regular Strike)

Series: Indian Princess $3 1854-1889

PCGS MS67+

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PCGS MS67+

PCGS #:: 8000

Designer:: James Barton Longacre

Edge:: Reeded

Diameter:: 20.50 millimeters

Weight:: 5.02 grams

Mintage:: 82,304

Mint:: Philadelphia

Metal:: 90% Gold, 10% Copper

Auction Record:: $70,500 • MS67+ • 08-10-2016 • Heritage Auctions

ShowHide Related Coins and Varieties (2)

Major Varieties

1878 $3
1878 $3, PL

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PCGS Population

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For Sale Now at Collectors Corner - PCGS Graded

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Rarity and Survival Estimates Learn More

Grades	Survival Estimate The Survival Estimate represents an average of one or more experts' opinions as to how many examples survive of a particular coin in three categories: 1) all grades, 2) 60 or better, and 3) 65 or better. These estimates are based on a variety of sources, including population reports, auction appearances, and personal knowledge. Survival estimates include coins that are raw, certified by PCGS, and certified by other grading services.	Numismatic Rarity Numismatic Rarity converts the Survival Estimate for a particular coin into a number from 1 to 10 (with decimal increments) based on the PCGS Rarity Scale. The higher the number, the more rare the coin.	Relative Rarity By Type Relative Rarity By Type ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Type. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.	Relative Rarity By Series Relative Rarity By Series ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Series. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.
All Grades	25,000	R-2.7	41 / 41	41 / 41
60 or Better	6,000	R-3.8	40 / 41	40 / 41
65 or Better	400	R-6.2	31 / 41	31 / 41

Survival Estimate
All Grades	25,000
60 or Better	6,000
65 or Better	400

Numismatic Rarity
All Grades	R-2.7
60 or Better	R-3.8
65 or Better	R-6.2

Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type
All Grades	41 / 41
60 or Better	40 / 41
65 or Better	31 / 41

Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series
All Grades	41 / 41
60 or Better	40 / 41
65 or Better	31 / 41

Condition Census What Is This?

Pos	Grade	Pedigree and History
1	MS67+ PCGS grade
1	MS67+ PCGS grade
1	MS67+ PCGS grade
4	MS67 PCGS grade	Legend Rare Coin Auctions 9//2015:308, $47,000
4	MS67 PCGS grade
4	MS67 PCGS grade
4	MS67 PCGS grade
4	MS67 PCGS grade
9	MS66+ PCGS grade
9	MS66+ PCGS grade

#1 MS67+ PCGS grade

#4 MS67 PCGS grade

Legend Rare Coin Auctions 9//2015:308, $47,000

#4 MS67 PCGS grade

#9 MS66+ PCGS grade

Ron Guth:

Thanks to the data we now have in 2015, the 1878 is the most common date in the entire series of Three Dollar Gold pieces, and it is the most common by a wide margin over the 1854 and 1874. PCGS alone has certified thousands of this date in Mint State from MS62 to MS64. In MS65 and better, the populations drop off dramatically until MS67, where 1878 becomes a true-condition rarity. The finest example is a single PCGS MS67+.

The 1878 is known for its frosty luster which, on high grade pieces, has a shimmering effect that is simply lovely.. The strike is usually good, but sometimes weak on the knot at the base of the wreath. This date has been heavily counterfeited, so beware of raw examples offered in the marketplace.

David Akers (1975/88): Although this date has a significantly lower mintage than the 1854, it is by a slight margin the most common date in the series, and by far the most common in uncirculated condition. The two Beck sales alone contained 30 uncirculated pieces, and this is the one date in the series that is reasonably available in choice condition.