Numismatic

1856 Three Cent Silver AU

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In the mid nineteenth century, the United States Mint produced its most diminutive and lightweight silver issue: the three-cent piece. Struck in 1856, this tiny coin represents a fascinating era in American coinage, packing a detailed artistic design onto an incredibly small canvas. Despite its size, the coin contains 0.0193 troy ounces of actual silver content within its 90 percent silver alloy. The obverse of this 1856 issue presents a striking six-pointed star, which serves as the backdrop for a central shield. On the reverse, the coin features the Roman numeral III, clearly denoting its three-cent face value. Designed by James B. Longacre, this coin has survived in Almost Uncirculated condition, preserving the delicate details of its unique engraving for modern observers to appreciate.