This is a delightful Proof 1884 three-dollar gold piece. Both sides are wonderfully original in preservation and display warm, vivid, orange-color color. The strike is full and the reflective finish in the fields is appreciable despite moderate handling marks that explain the Proof-62 assessment from PCGS. The design motifs are lightly frosted and, with some persistence, modest cameo-like contrast is seen.
From a mintage of 109 Proofs, achieved by the Mint in multiple small deliveries spread throughout the year. The first 30 coins struck in January were intended for inclusion in the year's gold Proof sets. The 1884 is among the more frequently encountered Proofs in the three-dollar gold series, but it is rarer than the 1885, 1886, 1889 and, especially, the 1887 and 1888. Such comparisons are purely academic, of course, for all Proofs of this type are rare in an absolute sense and fully original, aesthetically pleasing survivors such as this are very rare from a market availability standpoint. A find for the discerning gold enthusiast and sure to sell for a solid bid.