Numismatic

1862 Three Cent Silver AU

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In 1862, the United States Mint produced a remarkably diminutive silver coin. Carrying a face value of three cents, this issue holds the distinction of being the smallest coin ever struck for general circulation by the United States. Despite its tiny physical size, the coin contains 0.0193 ounces of silver with a purity of 0.900, representing a fascinating era of American fractional currency. The visual design, created by James Longacre, manages to pack intricate details into a very small canvas. The front of the coin features a prominent six-pointed star, upon which a shield is superimposed. Encircling this central motif is the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, along with the date of manufacture, 1862. On the reverse side, the design shifts to a bold, central Roman numeral three, which clearly denotes the coin's denomination. This particular specimen is preserved in Almost Uncirculated condition, allowing observers to appreciate the fine lines of the shield and the delicate star points that have survived for well over a century.