NNP Encyclopedia data is provided in cooperation with Whitman Brands, based on catalog data organized by the Greysheet Identification System (GSID).
Entry Details
Coin Date: 3-Cent Silver Set Denomination (Short): 3cS Denomination (Long): 3-Cent Silver Variety: no 1851 Variety 2: 22 Coins Desg: PR Composition: 0.9 silver; 0.1 copper Strike Type: Proof Coinage Type: Three cent silver Coinage Years: 1854-1873 Mint Location: Philadelphia Diameter: 14 Fineness: 0.9 Weight (Grams): 0.75 Weight (Ounces): 0.02646 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. 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. General Notes:
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.
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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.
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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.
