The first proof Three-Dollar gold issue with a reported mintage, the 1859 was produced to the extent of 80 pieces. The sale of proof coins to contemporary collectors was a practice that was still in its infancy in 1859, however, and the vast majority of these coins were destroyed in the Mint as unsold. Survivors are exceedingly rare and number only 11-13 pieces per Q. David Bowers and Doug Winter in the 2005 book The United States $3 Gold Pieces: 1854-1889.

The example to the left was sold by Stack's Bowers Galleries in the D. Brent Pogue Part III Auction, where it realized $21,150.