1851 (O) Silver Three Cent Piece
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-67). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$22,800 MS67 08-25-2021 Stack's Bowers
Description
The 1851 (O) Silver Three Cent Piece is a cent produced at the New Orleans Mint as part of the Silver Three Cent Pieces 1851-1873 series. Total mintage reached 720,000. The obverse features a six-pointed star enclosing a Union shield, while the reverse displays a Roman numeral III (three) within a large letter C. Designed by James Barton Longacre. Struck in 75% silver, 25% copper, weighing 0.8 grams, 14.3 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #3665. The Silver Three-Cent Piece (trime) was introduced in 1851, primarily to facilitate the purchase of postage stamps which had just been reduced to three cents. The unusual denomination and small size (14mm) make this a fascinating series. Many dates from 1863-1873 are proof-only with very low mintages.
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