1861 Proof Silver Three Cent Piece

Coin Details

Auction Record

$16,100 PR67* 02-02-2012 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1861 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 1,000, this is an extremely rare issue — the scarcer of two mint variants, with less than 1% of total 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. Produced during the Civil War, when coin hoarding caused severe shortages and the Mint experimented with new compositions to keep coins in circulation. As a proof issue, this coin was struck multiple times on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies, producing mirror-like fields and frosted design elements prized by collectors. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Estimated market value is approximately $998. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 0.75 grams, 14.3 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #3710.