Olevian Numismatic Rarities
1851-O Three Cent Silver Piece // PCGS Certified MS65 // Deluxe Collector's Pouch
Product Description
The Three Cent Silver piece was a vintage American coin minted from 1851 to 1873. Today, these unusual pieces are seldom seen but are cherished by collectors and enthusiasts of American history alike. Offered here is an excellent mint-state specimen from the first year of issue certified by PCGS to be in MS65 condition. You will receive the unique coin shown in the photos housed in a deluxe collector’s pouch with a certificate of authenticity.
About the Three Cent Silver Piece:
After a massive importation of gold bullion during the California Gold Rush, silver could be traded for increasing amounts of gold, so U.S. silver coins were exported and melted for their metal. This, and the reduction of postage rates to three cents, prompted Congress to authorize a 3-cent piece in 1851 made of 75% silver. The 3-cent silver was the first American coin to contain metal valued significantly less than its face value, and the first silver coin to be legal tender for only a limited amount. Weighing only 0.80 grams, it is also the lightest U.S. coin ever minted. The original obverse design featured a star bearing the Union shield, while the reverse depicted an ornamental C (for cents) surrounding the Roman numeral III. The composition was later changed to 90% silver in 1854 and the coins were subsequently hoarded during the Civil War. A nickel 3-cent piece was introduced in 1865 that co-circulated with the silver version until the latter was discontinued in 1873.
Product Details
- Measurements
5"L x 4"W x 1"H
- OriginUnited States
— Type: Three Cent Silver (1851-1873)
— Variety: 0.750 silver (1851-1853)
— Designer: James Barton Longacre
— Weight: 0.80 grams
— Diameter: 14 mm
— Composition: 0.750 silver, 0.250 copper
— Obverse Design: Star with Union shield
— Obverse Inscription: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / DATE
— Reverse Design: Ornamental C with Stars
— Reverse Inscription: III
Quality Assurance:
The product offered for sale in this listing has been certified by one or more professional certification services, so you can be confident in the authenticity and stated condition
Shipping Information
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Shipping AvailabilityUnited States
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Shipping PolicyFREE Shipping (contiguous US)
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Ship In3-4 weeks ⓘ
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Return PolicyFinal sale, not eligible for return or cancellation