Whitman Expo
3-Cent Silver Set no 1851 3-Cent Silver PR 22 Coins Values
Details
Proof 3 cent silver coins were struck from 1854 through 1873 and cover most years of the series, which spanned from 1851 through 1873. All 3 cent silver coins, designed by Engraver James B. Longacre, are scarce and generally priced in the mid hundreds and up.
3 cent silver coins, also known as "trimes," were used for the purpose of purchasing postage, which was 3 cents per letter in the early 1850s. The denomination was also popular for other uses in commerce but was phased out in 1873 along with other denominations, including the 2 cent coin and half dime.
While there are three subtypes in the 3 cent silver series, only two are represented in proof format. These include the Variety II (1854-1858) and Variety III (1859-1873). Overall, the scarcest proof issue is the 1854, which is generally a five-figure coin. Proofs dated 1855-1858 and the 1873 are also scarce and usually command four-figure prices.
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.
Reverse: The roman numeral III is centered in the design ensconced in a large, bejeweled letter C surrounded by 13 stars on the periphery.
Basic Information
GSID:
77934
Coin Date:
3-Cent Silver Set
Denomination:
3cS / 3-Cent Silver
Designation:
PR
Mint & Coinage Details
Mint Location:
Philadelphia
Coinage Type:
Three cent silver
Coinage Years:
1854-1873
Composition:
0.9 silver; 0.1 copper
Varieties and Classification
Variety:
no 1851
Variety 2:
22 Coins
Physical Characteristics
Fineness:
0.9
Weight:
0.75 gr
Weight:
0.0241 oz
Precious Metal Weight:
0.0217 oz
Strike Type:
Proof
Diameter:
14 mm
Coin Shape:
Round
Design Details
Designer:
James B. Longacre
Obverse Lettering:
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, [Date]
Obverse Designer:
James B. Longacre
Reverse Lettering:
III
Reverse Designer:
James B. Longacre
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