NNP Encyclopedia data is provided in cooperation with Whitman Brands, based on catalog data organized by the Greysheet Identification System (GSID).
Entry Details
PCGS Number: 83719 Coin Date: 1869/'8' Denomination (Short): 3cS Denomination (Long): 3-Cent Silver Variety: Narrow Date Desg: PR Composition: 0.9 silver; 0.1 copper Mintage: 600 Strike Type: Proof Coinage Type: Three cent silver Coinage Years: 1859-1873 Mint Location: Philadelphia Diameter: 14 Fineness: 0.9 Weight (Grams): 0.75 Weight (Ounces): 0.0241 Designer: James B. Longacre Edge: Plain Obverse Description: 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 Description: 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. General Notes: The 1869 over 8 (or 9) proof three-cent silver comes from a moderately low mintage for its series of 600 coins. Most were saved, leaving the issue readily available to collectors and relatively affordable. Nearly all known examples exhibit a slight repunching on the digit 9. Scarce only in gem condition. Cameo pieces are far more difficult to locate in all grades and deep cameos are a rarity. Look for attractive toners as they are abundant for this series. The majority of known 1869 proof 3-cent silver pieces are of the over-date (assumed to be a 9 over 8) variety with a so-called narrow date punch. The non-overdate variety, with wide date punch, in far scarcer. PCGS #: 83719 NGC ID: 22ZR
