Numismatic

1852 Three Cent Silver MS-63 NGC

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The 1852 three-cent silver piece represents a fascinating chapter in American currency, holding the distinction of being the most diminutive and lightweight silver coin ever produced by the United States Mint. This tiny treasure, struck in 75 percent silver, weighs in with a metal content of just 0.0193 troy ounces. This particular coin is classified as a Type I specimen, which is distinguished by a specific design detail on its front. The central six-pointed star on the obverse is struck without any bordering lines along its outer edges, a characteristic unique to this early variety. The reverse features the Roman numeral III, representing its three-cent face value, nestled within an ornamental design. Created by designer James B. Longacre, this specific coin has survived the decades in remarkable condition. It has been officially graded as Mint State 63 (MS-63), preserving the delicate details of this historic mid-nineteenth-century issue for modern observers to appreciate.