Price Guide for 1851 Three Cents Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $16.00 – $652.00Uncirculated: $2.50 – $11,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $10.00 – $316.12Uncirculated: $86.00 – $9,499.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $60.00 – $325.00Uncirculated: $350.00 – $10,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $18.00 – $7,475.00Uncirculated: $2.75 – $22,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $22.50 – $850.00Uncirculated: $199.00 – $4,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $60.00 – $1,000.00Uncirculated: $1,100.00 – $30,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $25,300.00Uncirculated: $5,750.00 – $176,250.00
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eBayUncirculated: $649.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $150,000.00 – $300,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,080.00 – $2,350.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $150.00 – $375.00Uncirculated: $400.00 – $3,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $228.00Uncirculated: $299.00 – $2,467.50
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eBayUncirculated: $1,995.00 – $3,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $250.00 – $425.00Uncirculated: $500.00 – $2,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1851 Three Cents
The 1851 Three Cent Silver coin, also known as a ‘trime’, was introduced in response to the need for small change during a period when silver coins were being hoarded due to their intrinsic value exceeding their face value. This coin was the first official U.S. coin to contain silver in a proportion less than 90%, making it less likely to be hoarded or melted.
The Three Cent Silver piece was designed to facilitate the purchase of postage stamps, as the postal rate for a standard letter was reduced from five cents to three cents in 1851. Its small size and distinctive design made it a unique addition to U.S. coinage.
| Weight | 0.80 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 14 mm |
| Mint Marks | Philadelphia (no mint mark) |
| Composition | 75% silver, 25% copper |
| Obverse Design | Liberty head wearing a coronet, designed by James B. Longacre |
| Reverse Design | Roman numeral III within a star-shaped design, designed by James B. Longacre |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition is crucial for the 1851 Three Cent Silver coin. Due to its small size and low silver content, many examples show significant wear or damage. High-grade specimens (MS63 and above) are considerably more valuable and sought after by collectors.
The coin’s strike quality can vary significantly, with many examples showing weakness in the central details. Coins with full, sharp details command a premium. Original luster is highly prized, as many circulated heavily before being retired.
Mintage: 5,447,400
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above due to weak strikes and handling marks
Varieties Errors: None significant for this year
Market Demand: Moderate, as a first-year issue of a new denomination
First-year status adds to the desirability of the 1851 Three Cent Silver among collectors. Toning can significantly impact value, with attractively toned specimens often commanding a premium.
The historical significance of this coin as a response to economic conditions and postal rate changes adds to its appeal. Die varieties, while not as prominent as in some other series, can add interest for specialized collectors.
As with many 19th-century silver coins, authenticity is a concern, and certified examples may command a premium due to the assurance of genuineness.
