1851 Silver Three Cent Piece // PCGS Certified MS63 // Wood Presentation Box

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 MS63 condition. You will receive the unique coin shown in the photos housed in a plush-lined box with a certificate of authenticity.

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.