Coin specifications and design
Design identification
Obverse: A national shield rests inside a six-pointed star bordered by two outline lines.
Reverse: A Roman numeral III appears within an ornamental C, with an olive sprig above and arrows below.
U.S. Mint coin reference
1859–1873: Silver Three-Cent Piece (Type 3: Two Lines Bordering Star)
The final silver three-cent subtype simplified the obverse border from three outlines to two.
1859–1873: Silver Three-Cent Piece (Type 3: Two Lines Bordering Star) history
1859–1873: Silver Three-Cent Piece (Type 3: Two Lines Bordering Star) simplifies the obverse star from three outlines to two while retaining the .900-silver, 0.75-gram standard. The revised design continued until silver three-cent production ended.
Because the coin is very small, weak central detail and die clashing are common. Star outlines, reverse ornamentation, date, and surface quality distinguish collectible examples.
Silver Three-Cent Piece Type 3 history notes
Introduced in 1859, Type 3 simplified the crowded obverse while retaining the 90% silver standard adopted in 1854. Demand declined as small-denomination currency returned after the Civil War and the copper-nickel three-cent piece competed for the same role. The Coinage Act of 1873 ended the silver denomination.
Count the two outlines around the star to confirm Type 3. Business-strike production became very small late in the series, and several final dates were issued only as proofs. Check certification references for the exact date and format, and favor examples with undisturbed surfaces and readable central detail.