Three Cent Pieces
Struck between 1851 and 1889, the three-cent piece was introduced to facilitate the purchase of three-cent postage stamps and answer public demand for a low-denomination coin. It was minted in two distinct compositions: a tiny silver coin (the "trime") and a larger copper-nickel coin. The series features unique designs, including the Star/Shield and Liberty Head motifs.
Browse all Three Cent Pieces →Rarity & Key Dates
The silver three-cent pieces are prone to wear and damage due to their extremely thin planchet. Later dates in both silver (1863–1873) and nickel (1877–1889) have very low mintages and are major key dates, highly sought after in uncirculated grades.
Grading Guidelines
For silver three-cent pieces, graders look at the lines within the star on the obverse and the details of the Roman numeral III on the reverse. For nickel three-cent pieces, wear shows first on the hair lines above Liberty's temple and the leaves of the wreath.
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