Silver Three Cent Pieces 1851-1873

About This Series

The smallest silver coin ever produced by the United States Mint, the three-cent "trime" was born from the 1851 postal rate reduction to three cents, eliminating the need for three individual copper cents per stamp. Authorized by the Act of March 3, 1851, and struck in .750 fine silver (raised to .900 in 1854) at a diminutive 14 mm and 0.80 grams, these tiny coins presented persistent handling challenges. Three design types define the series: Type I (1851-1853) with a plain six-pointed star obverse and Roman numeral III reverse; Type II (1854-1858) adding three star outlines plus olive sprig and arrows; Type III (1859-1873) with two outlines. Circulation strikes were produced primarily during 1851-1862, with mintages declining sharply as the nickel three-cent piece (1865) absorbed the commercial role. From 1863-1873, production was limited to proofs below 1,000 pieces annually. The 1851-O from New Orleans is the sole branch mint issue in the entire series.

Series Information