The 1856 three had a mintage of 26,010 coins, and nearly all survivors show evidence of circulation. Jeff Garrett and Ron Guth observe that this date appears infrequently in auction, and that Mint State examples are rare. In The United States $3 Gold Pieces, Dave Bowers agrees: 'In Mint State the rarity of the 1856 is not widely appreciated. Truly choice and gem pieces are seldom seen in the marketplace now, nor were they ever plentiful.'