Three Cent Silver

About Our Coins

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Why Buy from LCR?

At LCR Coin, we specialize in certified rare coins, modern collectibles, Pre-1933 gold, and precious metals backed by over 35 years of industry experience. Whether you are building a collection, investing in gold and silver, or searching for sought-after modern releases, we focus on offering quality products backed by respected grading services and professional customer support.

We specialize in certified coins from leading grading companies including NGC, PCGS, and CAC, along with premium U.S. Mint releases, low-mintage issues, and advanced designation coins. Every order is handled with care, secure packaging, and a commitment to transparency from purchase to delivery.

  • Certified coins from industry-leading grading services
  • Family-owned with over 35 years of industry experience
  • Competitive pricing with no hidden fees
  • Secure insured shipping and professional packaging
  • Collector focused customer service and support
  • Carefully curated inventory of rare and modern coin

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is shipping free?

Yes.

  • Orders $349 and over ship FREE with full insurance within the United States.
  • Orders under $349 are charged a minimum $16.95 insured shipping fee.
How do pre-orders work at LCR Coin?

Pre-order pricing is locked in and charged in full at the time of purchase. As precious metals prices and U.S. Mint issue prices change, future inventory is often higher. Your pre-order secures both your price and your allocation.

You may cancel your pre-order at any time prior to fulfillment for a full refund. However, if you choose to place a new order later, it will be subject to current market pricing and availability.

Estimated delivery dates are provided on each product page and are subject to change based on U.S. Mint, grading service, or supplier release schedules.

Are your coins certified by PCGS, NGC, and CAC?

Yes. LCR Coin proudly offers a wide selection of coins certified and graded by the industry’s leading third-party grading companies, including PCGS, NGC, and CAC.

Why buy from LCR Coin?

LCR Coin has been a trusted rare coin and precious metals dealer for over 30 years, offering certified rare coins, modern releases, and gold & silver bullion from the industry’s leading grading services.

As an Authorized Dealer for PCGS, NGC, and CAC, we are committed to providing collectors and investors with high-quality certified coins, competitive pricing, secure shipping, and exceptional customer service.

Estimated delivery dates are provided on the product page and are subject to change based on U.S. Mint or supplier release schedules. 

More About This Collection

Three Cent Silver Coins (1851–1873)

The Three Cent Silver Coin, commonly known as the Trime, was introduced by the United States Mint in 1851. Designed by Chief Engraver James B. Longacre, this unusual denomination was created in part to make purchasing three-cent postage stamps more convenient.

Measuring just 14 millimeters in diameter, the Three Cent Silver is the smallest silver coin denomination produced for circulation by the United States Mint. Its distinctive design, short production history, and numerous collectible varieties make it an interesting series for collectors of historic U.S. coinage.

History of the Three Cent Silver Coin

The Three Cent Silver was first struck in 1851 at the Philadelphia and New Orleans Mints. The 1851-O Three Cent Silver is particularly notable because it was the only issue in the series produced outside Philadelphia.

Unlike many contemporary American coins, the Trime does not feature a portrait of Liberty. Instead, the obverse displays a six-pointed star surrounded by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, with the date below.

The reverse features the Roman numeral III within a large ornamental C, representing the three-cent denomination.

Three Cent Silver Types

Collectors recognize three major design types:

Type I (1851–1853): Features a simple six-pointed star on the obverse. These early coins were struck in an alloy containing 75% silver.

Type II (1854–1858): Introduced an ornamental border around the obverse star and a revised reverse design. The silver content increased to 90%.

Type III (1859–1873): Features a simplified star design with one outline, distinguishing it from the more elaborate Type II.

Scarce Dates and the End of the Series

Three Cent Silver Coins circulated during the 1850s, but their small size made them inconvenient to handle. Demand declined as other small-denomination coins became more widely available.

Production dropped significantly during the Civil War, and many later dates were struck in limited quantities. Several issues from the 1860s and early 1870s are particularly scarce as circulation strikes, with some dates produced only in Proof format.

The Three Cent Silver denomination was officially discontinued in 1873, bringing an end to one of the most unusual series in American coinage.

Collecting Certified Three Cent Silver Coins

Collectors pursue Three Cent Silver Coins by date, mintmark, design type, and condition. Complete type sets featuring Type I, Type II, and Type III examples are a popular way to represent the series.

Certified Three Cent Silver Coins graded by PCGS, NGC, and CACG, along with CAC-approved examples, offer collectors professionally authenticated and evaluated examples of this distinctive nineteenth-century denomination.