1851 Silver Three Cent Piece
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$11,500 MS67 07-30-2008 Heritage Auctions
Description
Produced at the Philadelphia Mint, the 1851 Silver Three Cent Piece is part of the Silver Three Cent Pieces 1851-1873 series. The U.S. Mint produced 5.4 million examples, making this the higher-mintage of the two mint variants, representing 88% of production. The obverse features a six-pointed star enclosing a Union shield and the reverse displays a Roman numeral III (three) within a large letter C. First year of the Silver Three-Cent Piece, introduced to facilitate purchasing the newly reduced three-cent postage stamps. The 1851-O is the only branch mint issue in the entire series. The Philadelphia Mint, America's oldest coin-making facility, has struck coins continuously since 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $54 to $408 depending on grade and condition. Struck in 75% silver, 25% copper, weighing 0.8 grams, 14.3 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #3664.
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