NNP

1870 3CS Three Cent Silver, Judd-798, Pollock-885, R.7, PR66 Red and Brown NGC. CAC. Design. The obverse design, attributed to William Barber, features a seated figure of Liberty facing left and supporting a shield in her right hand, an olive branch in her left. A free-standing Liberty pole is present behind the shield. The reverse is the same design used to coin regular issue three cent silver pieces. Struck in copper with a plain edge. Commentary. While the reverse design is identical to Type Three three cent silver pieces, the border is extremely wide in relation to its diameter, and in relation to regular issue silver three cent pieces. The obverse die was also used for half dime patterns, and the diameter of this piece is nearly that of contemporary half dimes. The difference in diameter between the two denominations explains the wider than usual reverse border. Physical Description. Both sides of this lovely Premium Gem have fully mirrored fields, with moderate cameo contrast. The obverse exhibits splashes of orange mint color with considerable blue toning over medium brown patina. The reverse is almost fully brilliant orange with splashes of violet and blue. From The Eric P. Newman Collection.

From Newman I (Heritage Auctions, 4/2013), lot 3978, realized $6462.50. Image and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, https://ha.com.