Price Guide for 1855 Three Cents Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $7.35 – $1,645.00Uncirculated: $16.00 – $48,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $9.95 – $950.00Uncirculated: $250.00 – $939.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $75.00 – $900.00Uncirculated: $1,000.00 – $60,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $30.00 – $58,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4,000.00 – $60,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $21,150.00 – $32,900.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $40,000.00 – $80,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1855 Three Cents
The 1855 Three Cent Silver coin, also known as a ‘trime’, was part of the series first introduced in 1851. This coin was created in response to the need for a small denomination coin to purchase postage stamps, which cost three cents at the time. The 1855 issue marked a transition year, as the composition was changed from 75% silver to 90% silver in subsequent years to improve wear resistance.
| Weight | 0.8 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 14 mm |
| Mint Marks | Philadelphia (no mint mark) |
| Composition | 75% silver, 25% copper |
| Obverse Design | Liberty head facing right, wearing a coronet inscribed with 'LIBERTY' |
| Reverse Design | Roman numeral III within an ornate C-shaped design |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in the value of 1855 Three Cent Silver coins. Due to their small size and relatively low silver content, many examples have suffered from wear and damage over time. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are highly sought after and command significant premiums. The presence of original mint luster and absence of major contact marks or scratches greatly enhance the coin’s desirability and value.
Mintage: 139,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Toning can significantly impact the value of 1855 Three Cent Silver coins. Specimens with attractive, natural toning patterns are often more desirable to collectors. Strike quality is another important factor, as many Three Cent Silver coins from this era suffer from weak strikes due to their small size and the limitations of minting technology at the time. Well-struck examples with full details are particularly valuable.
The historical significance of the 1855 issue as a transitional year before the composition change adds to its appeal among collectors and numismatic historians. This factor, combined with its low mintage, makes the 1855 Three Cent Silver a key date in the series and an important piece for type set collectors.
