Explore the fascinating history of the Three-Cent Silver coin, or "Trime," minted from 1851 to 1873. Designed by James Barton Longacre, these small, unique coins reflect a pivotal period in American numismatics and were the first U.S. coins to omit Miss Liberty’s image on the obverse. Originally minted to ... Read More
Explore the fascinating history of the Three-Cent Silver coin, or "Trime," minted from 1851 to 1873. Designed by James Barton Longacre, these small, unique coins reflect a pivotal period in American numismatics and were the first U.S. coins to omit Miss Liberty’s image on the obverse. Originally minted to facilitate the purchase of three-cent postage stamps, these coins underwent three distinct design changes during their production span.
Key Features:
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Composition: Initially 75% silver, later 90% silver, with copper alloy.
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Design: A six-pointed star with a shield on the obverse; a C-shaped ornament encasing Roman numeral III on the reverse.
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Minting: Primarily struck in Philadelphia; a single New Orleans mintmark issue in 1851 (1851-O).
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Size & Weight: Diameter: 14 mm; Weight: 0.80 grams.
Collecting Insights for Three-Cent Silver Coins
Design Types:
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Type I (1851–1853): No star outline, 75% silver composition.
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Type II (1854–1858): Triple star outline, 90% silver, with olive sprigs and arrows added to the reverse.
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Type III (1859–1873): Double star outline, improving strike quality.
Popular Collecting Strategies:
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Circulated Sets: Fine to Extremely Fine coins are readily available for pre-1862 dates.
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Proof Collections: Proofs became available to collectors from 1858 onward, with select early dates and rarities like the 1856 Proof highly sought after.
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Key Rarities: The 1851-O (the only branch mint issue) and post-1863 business strikes, which are exceedingly rare and often melted.
A Legacy in Numismatics
The Three-Cent Silver series, though short-lived, offers collectors a glimpse into America’s evolving coinage and monetary practices during the 19th century. From facilitating stamp purchases to its intricate design changes, these coins remain a prized addition for type set enthusiasts and numismatists alike.
Explore authentic Three-Cent Silver coins at ParadimeCoins.com—your trusted source for rare collectibles, expert insights, and guaranteed quality.
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