The 1869 Proof Three Cent Silver is a proof strike from the United States, minted in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A relatively low-mintage year at 600 struck — scarcer than most Three Cent Silver issues and worth checking dates and mintmarks for. Among 1869-dated variants, this is the lowest-mintage strike. Current catalog values range from $600 in lower grades to $12,000 in top condition — a top-quartile premium issue for the series; composed of silver (.900) (.100 copper) (0.75 g).
9 collectors own one of the series
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The Three Cent Silver pieces were produced by the United States Mint from 1851 to 1873. They were designed to fill the need for a small denomination coin in circulation, although they did not see widespread usage. These coins were made of .750 fine silver and had a total weight of 0.0756 troy ounces. It featured the then popular Seated Liberty motif, with the reverse design depicting a wreath surrounding a small "3" numeral.
The obverse of this coin displays a figure of Liberty seated on a rock, holding a Union Shield and a staff topped by a Liberty cap. The words "United States of America" and the date of issue are inscribed around the central figure. The reverse consists of a stylized wreath of cotton and corn with an ornamental ribbon bow at the top. The numeral “3” is situated in the center of the wreath. The inscriptions “Cents” and “3/C” are printed around the wreath.
It was the first coin in the United States to feature the selected numeral denomination on the flip side. It was minted with a proof finish and its weight made it distinguishable from other U.S. coins.
The Three Cent Silver pieces have since become one of the harder American coins to find. Examples in Mint State condition or in exceptional quality can cost up to several thousand dollars, or even more.
The Three Cent Silver piece is a great example of the early coins of the United States. Size, production dates, and its designs make it a coin that has retained its rarity and value. For collectors, this is an opportunity to acquire an excellent example of a rare and significant coin of the U.S.
The 1869 Proof Three Cent Silver coin, has a total mintage of 600, struck at the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania mint, and engraved by James Barton Longacre. Made of silver (.900) (.100 copper), weighing 0.75 grams, with a diameter of 14 mm, and featuring a plain edge.
The obverse is shield on six sided star. It reads "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1866". The reverse is roman numeral iii inside a stylized c. It reads "III".
| Grade | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 8 | $600.00 |
| 12 | $700.00 |
| 20 | $800.00 |
| 40 | $1,100.00 |
| 50 | $1,300.00 |
| 55 | $1,600.00 |
| 60 | $1,800.00 |
| 62 | $2,100.00 |
| 63 | $5,000.00 |
| 64 | $5,000.00 |
| 65 | $8,000.00 |
| 66 | $12,000.00 |
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