DESCRIPTION
Near-Gem Proof 1862/3 Three-Cent SilverProof-64 (PCGS) CAC1863/2 Silver Three-Cent Piece. Proof-64 (PCGS). CAC.Gorgeous Choice surfaces exhibit iridescent toning in silver-gray and reddish-gold. The fields are deeply mirrored in finish, the devices with a satin to softly frosted texture that provides enough contrast to suggest a Cameo designation for this premium quality specimen.
Numismatic scholar Walter Breen felt it was a clear overdate and listed it as such in his
Complete Encyclopedia, though modern numismatists are more cautious in their interpretation. The current publishers of the
Red Book designate it as a "so-called 3 over 2," alluding to the questionable nature of the "underdigit" seen beneath the 3 of the date.
Writing for the
PCGS CoinFacts website, Jaime Hernandez emphasizes the scarce nature of this variety in suggesting that there are "possibly no more than 30-50 coins in existence." Just 12 have been graded finer by PCGS in this category, making it a significant offering that would make impressive addition to another fine numismatic cabinet.
PCGS# 3713.
NGC ID: 22ZP.
PCGS Population: 12; 12 finer.