Price Guide for 1857 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: $21.00 – $646.25Uncirculated: $2.40 – $57,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $34.00 – $360.00Uncirculated: $57.50 – $2,905.89
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $65.00 – $500.00Uncirculated: $550.00 – $65,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2,760.00Uncirculated: $15.00 – $43,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,500.00 – $60,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $11,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $55,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1857 Three Cents
The 1857 Three Cent Silver coin, also known as a ‘trime’, was part of the silver three-cent piece series minted from 1851 to 1873. This coin was introduced to facilitate the purchase of postage stamps and to provide a convenient denomination for small transactions.
The year 1857 saw the continuation of the Type 2 design, which had been introduced in 1854 to improve the coin’s striking quality and durability. The Three Cent Silver piece played a crucial role during a period of coin shortages and economic uncertainty leading up to the Civil War.
| 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', designed by James B. Longacre |
| Reverse Design | Roman numeral III within an ornate C-shaped design, designed by James B. Longacre |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1857 Three Cent Silver coins significantly impacts their value and collectibility. These coins were often weakly struck, making high-grade examples particularly desirable. Coins with full details on Liberty’s hair and the reverse design command premium prices.
Luster is a crucial factor, with original, frosty surfaces being highly prized. Toning can also add to the coin’s appeal, with attractive, natural toning patterns enhancing value. However, heavy wear, cleaning, or damage can substantially reduce the coin’s worth.
Mintage: 1,042,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above due to weak strikes and susceptibility to wear
Varieties Errors: None widely recognized
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for well-preserved specimens
Strike quality is particularly important for 1857 Three Cent Silver coins. Well-struck examples with sharp details are scarce and highly sought after. The small size of these coins made them prone to damage, so specimens free from significant marks or scratches command higher premiums.
While not considered a key date, the 1857 issue is important as a representative of the Type 2 design. Collectors assembling type sets or complete series of Three Cent Silver pieces contribute to the demand for this issue, especially in higher grades.
