1852 Proof Silver Three Cent Piece

Coin Details

Auction Record

$699 PR70 05-20-2021 eBay

Description

The 1852 Proof Silver Three Cent Piece is a proof cent struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Silver Three Cent Pieces 1851-1873 series. With a mintage of only 2, this is an extremely rare issue. 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 #3697. 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.