Numismatic

1851-O Three Cent Silver VG

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In 1851, the United States introduced an unusually small denomination: the three-cent silver piece. This particular coin, struck at the New Orleans Mint, represents the only year this tiny silver issue was produced at a branch mint rather than the main facility in Philadelphia. It is composed of a specific alloy containing 75 percent silver and 25 percent copper, yielding a total silver content of just under 0.02 troy ounces. The obverse features a prominent six-pointed star, at the center of which rests a traditional shield. Surrounding this central motif, the year 1851 is clearly visible. On the reverse, the design showcases the Roman numeral III, representing its face value, nestled within an ornate, stylized letter C. Collectors can identify its New Orleans origin by the small 'O' mint mark located on the reverse side. Created by designer James Longacre, this coin survives today in Very Good condition, offering a tangible look at a unique moment in mid-nineteenth-century American coinage.