1861 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
$21,600 MS68 05-08-2022 Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1861 Silver Three Cent Piece was struck at the Philadelphia Mint as a cent in the Silver Three Cent Pieces 1851-1873 series. With a mintage of 497,000, 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. Produced during the Civil War, when coin hoarding caused severe shortages and the Mint experimented with new compositions to keep coins in circulation. Coined at the Philadelphia facility, the nation's original mint that has operated continuously since its 1792 founding. Estimated market value ranges from $66 to $377 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 #3679.
External References
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