Numismatic

1862 Three Cent Silver XF

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In the mid nineteenth century, the United States minted one of its smallest and most distinctive silver coins: the three-cent piece. This 1862 issue, preserved in Extra Fine-45 condition, offers a fascinating glimpse into the nation's early minor coinage. Struck from 90 percent silver, this tiny coin contains 0.0217 ounces of the precious metal, serving as a highly functional denomination for daily transactions of its era. The obverse of the coin presents a bold, six-pointed star with a shield nestled at its center. Encircling this central motif is the inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" alongside the date "1862" at the bottom. The design is the work of James Longacre, who balanced intricate details on an incredibly small canvas. On the reverse, the coin displays its denomination using the Roman numeral "III". This numeral is framed within an ornamental, stylized letter "C", which curves elegantly around the value. Thirteen stars encircle the central design, completing a remarkably detailed aesthetic for such a diminutive silver coin.