Numismatic

1853 Three Cent Silver AU

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In the mid nineteenth century, the United States Mint produced one of its most diminutive and intriguing denominations: the silver three-cent piece. This 1853 specimen, preserved in Almost Uncirculated condition, offers a remarkably clear look at a design that departed significantly from the standard Liberty portraiture of the era. The obverse of this tiny coin features a bold, six-pointed star as its central motif, with a detailed shield placed directly over the star's center. Surrounding this central emblem is the date of manufacture, 1853. On the reverse, the coin displays the Roman numeral III, representing its face value, nestled within an elegant, ornamental C-shaped design. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, this coin is composed of an alloy containing 75 percent silver and 25 percent copper, yielding a total precious metal content of 0.0193 troy ounces. Designed by James Longacre, this issue remains a captivating example of early American silver coinage, showcasing how intricate artistry could be rendered on an incredibly small scale.