Numismatic

1858 Three Cent Silver VG

---

In the mid nineteenth century, the United States minted one of its smallest and most distinctive silver coins. This 1858 three-cent piece, struck at the Philadelphia Mint, offers a fascinating glimpse into the nation's early subsidiary coinage. Despite its diminutive size, containing just 0.0193 troy ounces of silver, the coin carries an intricate design that has survived more than a century and a half of history. The obverse features a prominent six-pointed star, at the center of which rests a detailed shield. On the reverse, the coin displays the Roman numeral three (III), clearly indicating its face value. This particular specimen survives in Very Good condition, showing honest wear from its time in circulation during the pre-1933 era. Designed by James Longacre, this issue was struck with a metal composition of 75 percent silver and 25 percent copper, a specific alloy chosen for this unique denomination. With a total mintage of 1,458,000, this 1858 issue remains a captivating example of early American silver artistry.