Three Cent Pieces: America's Tiniest Coins

Three Cent pieces came in two varieties: the tiny Silver Three Cent (1851-1873) and the larger Nickel Three Cent (1865-1889). The silver version was created when postage rates dropped to three cents, while the nickel version emerged during the Civil War coin shortage. The silver three cent pieces are among the smallest U.S. coins ever minted. Both types are popular with collectors due to their unusual denomination and relatively short production runs.

Silver Three Cent Piece (1851-1873)

Historical Background

When postage rates dropped to three cents in 1851, the government needed a convenient coin for purchasing stamps. The resulting Silver Three Cent piece was designed to be as small as practical while still containing enough silver to prevent melting for profit.

Design Features

• Type I (1851-1853): Six-pointed star with no outlines, smooth edges
• Type II (1854-1858): Three outlines around the star, olive sprig and bundle of arrows added
• Type III (1859-1873): Two outlines around the star, continued with olive and arrows
• Reverse: Large Roman numeral "III" in ornate C-shaped frame

Specifications

• Diameter: 14mm (smallest U.S. silver coin)
• Weight: 0.80 grams (Type I), 0.75 grams (Types II & III)
• Composition: Type I: 75% silver, 25% copper; Types II & III: 90% silver, 10% copper
• Edge: Plain

Key Dates - Silver

• 1851-O: Only New Orleans mint silver three cent
• 1855: Lowest mintage of Type II
• 1863-1872: Civil War era dates with very low mintages
• 1873: Final year, proof only

Nickel Three Cent Piece (1865-1889)

Historical Background

Introduced during the Civil War to address coin shortages, the Nickel Three Cent piece was made from base metal rather than silver. It proved more practical than its silver counterpart and outlasted it by 16 years.

Design Features

• Obverse: Liberty head facing left, coronet inscribed "LIBERTY," date below
• Reverse: Large Roman numeral "III" surrounded by wreath
• Edge: Plain

Specifications

• Diameter: 17.9mm
• Weight: 1.94 grams
• Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel

Key Dates - Nickel

• 1877 and 1878: Proof only years, extremely rare
• 1881: Very low mintage of business strikes
• 1885: Another scarce date
• 1887/6: Overdate variety, highly sought after

Collecting Three Cent Pieces

Type Set Collecting

Many collectors include one example of each type in their U.S. type sets. Silver Type I is most affordable, while nickel three cents from common dates offer good value.

Date Set Challenges

Complete date sets are challenging due to scarce Civil War era dates and proof-only issues. The 1870s were particularly light in production for both series.

Condition Considerations

The small size of silver three cents makes them prone to loss and damage. High-grade examples are scarce. Nickel three cents are often found with weak strikes, especially on hair details. Look for coins with full detail and minimal wear.

Why Two Types?

The nickel version was introduced during the Civil War when silver was being hoarded and needed for larger denominations. Both types circulated simultaneously from 1865-1873. The nickel version's larger size made it more practical and less easily lost.

Decline and Discontinuation

As the economy normalized after the Civil War, the three cent denomination became redundant. The introduction of the five cent nickel in 1866 and restored confidence in paper money reduced demand. Silver three cents ended in 1873 during the "Crime of '73" demonetization. Nickel three cents limped along until 1889 with minimal production in later years.

Market and Value

Common date three cent pieces in circulated grades are affordable and popular with beginning collectors. Proof specimens and rare dates command substantial premiums. The tiny size of silver three cents makes them especially appealing to collectors interested in unusual U.S. coinage.