Numismatic

1859 Three Cent Silver XF

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In the mid nineteenth century, the United States Mint produced one of its most distinctive and smallest denominations: the silver three-cent piece. This 1859 issue, preserved in Extra Fine condition, showcases a fascinating era of American coinage when tiny silver fractions circulated daily. Composed of 90 percent silver, this delicate coin contains just 0.0193 troy ounces of precious metal, yet it carries an incredibly detailed design. The obverse features a prominent six-pointed star, at the center of which sits a protective shield. Surrounding this central motif, the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is paired with the clear date of 1859. This intricate engraving was the work of James Longacre, who managed to fit these complex elements onto a remarkably small canvas. On the reverse, the coin displays a large Roman numeral III, representing its face value of three cents. This numeral is nestled within an ornate, stylized C-shaped device, creating a striking visual contrast to the geometric star on the opposite side. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which did not use a mint mark at the time, this coin remains a captivating example of early US silver artistry.