Whitman Expo
The Lipton Gallery is displaying a $3 million Augustus Saint-Gaudens statue that inspired the famous, similar design for Double Eagle gold coins.
Thank you to our sponsors!
Go check them out!
A major rarity among all U.S. coins, and perhaps one of the most desired of all U.S. gold pieces (like the 1822 $5). Only one example exists in private hands (ex: Bass). PCGS graders determined the coin to be struck as a "special strike," designated by SP, rather than MS. The other example exists in the cornerstone of the U.S. mint building in San Francisco. It may one day become available and likely in excellent (pristine?) condition.
The mintmark for this specific coin was hand-punched and differs from the mint mark punch of other S-mint gold coins of the era.
Obverse Description
The head of a Native American princess with a crown of feathers atop her head. The words UNITED STATES OF AMERICAN circle the periphery from 7 o'clock to 5 o'clock.
Reverse Description
"3 DOLLARS" is centered with date below, surrounded by a large wreath tied in a bow at the bottom.
Catalog Information
GSID:
8667
Designer:
James B. Longacre
Obverse Designer:
James B. Longacre
Obverse Lettering:
LIBERTY, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Reverse Designer:
James B. Longacre
Reverse Lettering:
3, DOLLARS, 1870
Fineness:
0.9
Weight (gr):
5.015 gr
Weight (oz):
0.1612 oz
Precious Metal Weight:
0.1451 oz
Strike Type:
Business
Diameter:
20.5
Coin Shape:
Round
Edge:
Reeded
Coin Date:
1870-S
Denomination:
$3
Designation:
SP
Mint Location:
San Francisco
Mint Mark:
S
Mintage:
unique
Coinage Type:
Three Dollar Gold
Coinage Years:
1854-1889
Composition:
90% gold; 10% copper
Rarity:
unique
PCGS #:
7992
Send Catalog Feedback
To: editor@greysheet.com
Subject: I would like to contribute catalog info to CDN for 1870-S $3 SP
Body: Referring page: http://livetest.greysheet.com/prices/item/1870-s-three-dollar-princess-united-states-gold-major-rarity-ex-bass-collection/gsid/8667 GSID: 8667 Title: 1870-S $3 SP
Subscribe to View
Log In
View more data, info, and visualizations. Get access to retail and wholesale pricing as well as auction data.
Coin Value History
1870-S $3 SP
Currency
Grade Range
Sort by
Pricing
Values
Greysheet & CPG® Values
| Grade | CPG Value (Retail) | Greysheet Price (Wholesale) |
|---|---|---|
| AU50 | $6,600,000 | $1,234 |
Three Dollar Gold Princess $3 1854-1889 MS [Type]
![Three Dollar Gold Princess $3 1854-1889 MS [Type]](https://images.greysheet.com/ctc/catalog/$3-Princess-Gold.jpg?MaxWidth=200&Mode=Pad&Scale=UpscaleCanvas&format=webp)
Worth: $697 – $125,000
1854 $3 MS
Worth: $882 – $76,000
1854-D $3 MS
Worth: $18,500 – $350,000
1854-O $3 MS
Worth: $1,400 – $200,000
1855 $3 MS
Worth: $882 – $45,000
1855-S $3 MS
Worth: $1,450 – $276,000
1856 $3 MS
Worth: $882 – $64,000
1856-S $3 MS
Worth: $750 – $93,600
1857 $3 MS
Worth: $882 – $54,000
1857-S $3 MS
Worth: $797 – $420,000
1858 $3 MS
Worth: $1,400 – $60,000
1859 $3 MS
Worth: $970 – $39,000
1860 $3 MS
Worth: $1,000 – $90,000
1860-S $3 MS
Worth: $1,250 – $400,000
1861 $3 MS
Worth: $1,800 – $67,000
Greysheet News
Kevin Lipton Opens Impressive Rare Coins, Fine Art & Antiques Gallery in Beverly Hills
9/24/2026
Consumer Advocate Mike Fuljenz Wins NLG's Newsletter Award
His free weekly newsletter offers insights on the coin and metals markets, and consumer education.
9/15/2026
Incredible Rarities Shatter Records Amid Furious Bidding at Stack's Bowers Galleries' Summer 2026 Global Showcase Rarities Night Session
Stack's Bowers Galleries, one of the world's largest and most prestigious rare coin auction houses, is proud to announce record breaking results from the Rarities Night session of its annual Summer Global Showcase Auction.
9/15/2026
Events
Heritage Auctions: US Coins Tuesday & Wednesday Select Auction
Location: Heritage Auctions
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Heritage Auctions: World & Ancient Coins Wednesday & Thursday Select Auction
Location: Heritage Auctions
Thursday, July 2, 2026
