FROM THE OAK COLLECTION The mintage dropped yet again in 1864, as the Civil War raged, with the campaigns now focusing on bringing total war to the Confederacy. Only 2,630 $3 gold pieces were struck for commerce, delivered in two distinct batches, one of just 440 on February 25 and the remaining 2,190 on December 6. A somewhat overlooked date, though specialists in the series realize just how rare this date is in Mint State. Indeed, as the PCGS and NGC certification data suggest, most Mint State survivors are lower grades, MS61 and MS62; CHOICE and finer examples are VERY RARE. As with most low mintage issues, the fields are distinctly flashy and somewhat Prooflike. A trivial number of scattered obverse contact marks are seen under the aid of a strong glass, their impact exaggerated by the reflective nature of the fields. The reverse offers a layer of original skin. A trifle weak on the highest points, as typical for the date, the overall eye appeal of this lustrous beauty is very high end. PCGS 5, NGC 8, CAC 1. This coin sold three years ago for $13,200. Today's market, being extremely strong for rare date gold of all kinds, that number is irrelevant. The current CAC CPG value is $19,200 and the PCGS Price Guide is $16,500. It should be noted that no MS64 has sold in over 13 years! We expect this beautiful Civil War $3 to bring a very strong bid. Be prepared! Cert. Number 25576439 PCGS # 7985