Three Cent Silver (Trime) Value
1851-1873 · 3¢ · 75% silver (Type I) / 90% silver (Type II-III)
Value by Grade
| Grade | Est. Value |
|---|---|
| Poor (P-1) | $20.00 |
| Good (G-4) | $35.00 |
| Fine (F-12) | $65.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $250.00 |
| Gem (MS-65) | $750.00 |
| Perfect (MS-70) | $3,750 |
Key Dates & Rare Varieties
| Date/Variety | Why It's Special | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1855 | Lowest regular mintage at just 139,000, key to the series | $200–$2,500 |
| 1851-O | Only branch mint issue in the series, 720,000 struck | $25–$200 |
| 1854 | First year of Type II with triple-outline star, 671,000 minted | $30–$350 |
| 1873 | Final year, proof-only with 600 struck | $400–$1,200 |
| 1862 | Civil War date, heavily hoarded due to silver premium | $25–$200 |
Coin Specifications
- Designer
- James B. Longacre
- Years
- 1851-1873
- Denomination
- 3¢
- Composition
- 75% silver (Type I) / 90% silver (Type II-III)
- Diameter
- 14 mm
- Weight
- 0.8 g
Quick Value
Where to Buy/Sell
Three Cent Silver (Trime): History & Background
The Three Cent Silver, nicknamed the trime, was the smallest and lightest coin ever produced by the United States Mint. It was introduced in 1851 primarily to facilitate the purchase of three-cent postage stamps and to reduce the use of worn foreign silver coins in everyday commerce. Three design types exist: Type I (1851-1853) has no outline around the central star and features a single line border; Type II (1854-1858) added three outlines to the star and an olive sprig above the Roman numeral III; and Type III (1859-1873) simplified the design with two lines around the star. Mintages declined sharply after the Civil War as other small denominations returned to circulation, and the coin was abolished by the Mint Act of 1873.
How to Grade a Three Cent Silver (Trime)
Accurate grading is the single most important factor in determining a coin's value. A difference of just a few grade points can mean 10× or more in value. Examine the highest points of the design first — these are where wear appears earliest. For the finest grades, luster, strike quality, and surface preservation all matter. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC adds certainty and typically increases resale value. Read our complete grading guide →