$3 Gold

Designer: James B. Longacre. Diameter: 20.6mm. Composition: 90% gold, 10% other. Weight: 5.015 grams. Edge: Reeded.
Minted: 1854-1889. Total Circulation Minted: 539,852. Total Proofs Minted: 2,058.
Obverse: Indian Princess. Reverse: Wreath of corn, cotton, and tobacco.

One of the most unpopular denominations issued in United States history, the three dollar gold piece, was introduced in 1854 when it was authorized by the Act of February 21, 1853. It's believed that Congress and the Mint felt that the three dollar gold piece would be in high demand and intended it to tie in with the postal system since at the time the three dollar piece was introduced, stamps were three cents, and they were usually sold in sheets of one hundred. The public failed to embrace the three dollar gold piece, and although it was minted for almost 35 years, a mere 535,000 pieces were struck along with 2,058 proofs.
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