1855 Silver Three Cent Piece
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$48,000 MS67 02-25-2021 Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1855 Silver Three Cent Piece is a cent produced at the Philadelphia Mint as part of the Silver Three Cent Pieces 1851-1873 series. With a mintage of 139,000, this is a less common issue — the higher-mintage of the two mint variants, representing 100% of production. The obverse features a six-pointed star enclosing a Union shield and the reverse displays a Roman numeral III (three) within a large letter C. Struck during the California Gold Rush era, when vast quantities of western gold transformed the American economy and led to new denominations. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $93 to $1.9K depending on grade and condition. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 0.75 grams, 14.3 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #3671.
