3-Cent Silver Type 1 3-Cent Silver MS 1851-1853 Values

Greysheet & Red Book® Price Guide
Melt: $1.67 (0.0193 oz Silver)

Sponsor

shop eBay

Sponsor

shop ICG

Sponsor

shop

Sponsor

shop CAC

Sponsor

shop US Coins and Jewelry

3-Cent Silver Type 1 3-Cent Silver MS 1851-1853 Values

Details

The Type 1 Three Cent Silver was the first year and design for its series and denomination. Produced in order to have coinage between 1C and 5C, making it easier to exchange foreign coins (legal tender at the time) into U.S. currency. This type lasted from 1851 through 1853 and were produced with just 75% silver.

up This coin is made of 0.75 silver; 0.25 copper and has a current melt value of $1.67

Obverse: A six-pointed star with a harp in the center is surrounded by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA on the periphery and the date positioned at the bottom. For the type I issues (1851-53) there is no frame line around the star.

Reverse: The roman numeral III is centered in the design ensconced in a large, bejeweled letter C surrounded by 13 stars on the periphery.

Basic Information

GSID:

73773

Coin Date:

3-Cent Silver

Denomination:

3cS / 3-Cent Silver

Designation:

MS

Varieties and Classification

Variety:

Type 1

Variety 2:

1851-1853

Physical Characteristics

Fineness:

0.75

Weight:

0.8 gr

Weight:

0.0257 oz

Precious Metal Weight:

0.0193 oz

Strike Type:

Business

Diameter:

14 mm

Coin Shape:

Round

Design Details

Designer:

James B. Longacre

Obverse Lettering:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, [Date]

Obverse Designer:

James B. Longacre

Reverse Lettering:

III

Reverse Designer:

James B. Longacre

Feedback:

Available on Greysheet Marketplace

View All

Dealer Directory

View All Dealers

Greysheet News

View All News
Greysheet Exclusive Reporting: Semiquincentennial Coins Head to Space
Greysheet Exclusive Reporting: Semiquincentennial Coins Head to Space
5/11/2026

When the next SpaceX Dragon 2 rocket lifts off from Florida, it will be carrying some special cargo.

Second Quarter Dollar Released in 2026 Semiquincentennial Circulating Coin Program
Second Quarter Dollar Released in 2026 Semiquincentennial Circulating Coin Program
5/9/2026

The second quarter dollar in the 2026 Semiquincentennial Circulating Coin Program was released on March 23 at Mount Vernon, the Virginia estate of President George Washington.

The Business of Numismatics: May 2026 Greysheet Editor's Letter
The Business of Numismatics: May 2026 Greysheet Editor's Letter
5/8/2026

Two major auctions featuring a combined 3,892 lots have taken place since the publication of our last issue.

Map icon

DAVID LAWRENCE RARE COINS

Map icon

The Police Athletic League (PAL) Building