Silver Three Cent Pieces 1851-1873

About This Series

Tiny silver coins introduced to facilitate the purchase of three-cent postage stamps and reduce dependence on worn Spanish silver fractions. Three design types exist: No Outline Star (1851-1853), Three Outlines (1854-1858), and Two Outlines (1859-1873). Later dates were struck primarily as proofs for collectors. The smallest silver coin in U.S. history at just 14mm in diameter.

Series Information