Whitman Expo
1869/9 3-Cent Silver MS PL Values
Details
Another low mintage later date Three Cent Silver issue with just 4,500 produced. Scarce in Mint State and rare in gem condition. Extremely rare in MS67 and finer. The 1869 usually comes with a strong strike and an array of surface quality ranging from satiny luster to proof-like. As of 2023, experts have agreed that all of the date punches appear to show the 9 struck over a pre-existing numeral 9.
This coin is made of 0.9 silver; 0.1 copper and has a current melt value of $1.64
Obverse: A six-pointed star with a harp in the center is surrounded by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA on the periphery and the date positioned at the bottom. For the type III issues (1859-73) there is a single frame line around the star.
Reverse: The roman numeral III is centered in the design ensconced in a large, bejeweled letter C surrounded by 13 stars on the periphery. An olive sprig is added above the roman numerals.
Source: Proof-like surfaces.
Mint & Coinage Details
Mint Location:
Philadelphia
Mintage:
4,500
Coinage Type:
Three cent silver
Coinage Years:
1859-1873
Composition:
0.9 silver; 0.1 copper
Physical Characteristics
Fineness:
0.9
Weight:
0.75 gr
Weight:
0.0241 oz
Precious Metal Weight:
0.0217 oz
Strike Type:
Business
Diameter:
14 mm
Coin Shape:
Round
Design Details
Designer:
James B. Longacre
Obverse Lettering:
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 1869
Obverse Designer:
James B. Longacre
Reverse Lettering:
III
Reverse Designer:
James B. Longacre
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