3 Cent Silver (1851-1873) (Trimes)
| Grade | Mintage | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 11,400,000 | 10 |
| Grade | Mintage | Population |
|---|---|---|
| N/A | 13 |
Three Cent Silver
APMEX offers a superb selection of Three Cent Silver pieces. Proposed in response to the decrease in postage rates from five to three cents and to the need for a small-denomination coin, Three Cent Silver pieces are the lightest weight coins ever minted by the U.S. Its tiny size and appearance earned the Three Cent piece a nickname, “fish scale.” The obverse features a shield set within a six-sided star, while the reverse portrays the Roman numeral III. Fourth Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, James B. Longacre designed the coin, which is also known as a Trime.
Other Designs by James Longacre
Longacre designed several of the most recognized small denomination coins of the 19th century. Five years after designing the Three Cent Silver, he introduced Flying Eagle Cents, which ran for two years before transitioning to Indian Head Cents. The series debuted in 1859 and ran for fifty years, making it one of the longest-running in American coinage history.
Other Small Denomination Coins
Much like Three Cent Silver coins, US Half Cents were introduced to meet the practical needs of early commerce. As the smallest denomination ever minted by the United States, they played a pivotal role in the nation's early economic history and remain a favorite among historic coin collectors. Together, these small denominations showcase the ingenuity of early American coinage and offer a fascinating glimpse into the nation's monetary past.
Investors who enjoy American coinage but are looking for bullion-grade options may want to consider the US Mint's Silver Eagle coins instead. Hugely popular in the market and with 99.9% silver content, these make investing in silver more straightforward.
