Price Guide for 1854 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: $2.00 – $431.00Uncirculated: $204.00 – $84,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $16.00 – $565.00Uncirculated: $209.50 – $1,375.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $65.00 – $500.00Uncirculated: $550.00 – $100,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,840.00 – $58,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $8,000.00 – $75,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $144.00Uncirculated: $408.00 – $2,115.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,626.54 – $2,099.95
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $200.00 – $550.00Uncirculated: $600.00 – $6,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1854 Three Cents
The 1854 Three Cent Silver coin, also known as a ‘trime’, was part of a series first introduced in 1851. It was created primarily to facilitate the purchase of postage stamps, as the postal rate for a standard letter was reduced to three cents in that year.
This coin played a crucial role in commerce during a time when silver coins were being hoarded due to their intrinsic value exceeding their face value. The reduced silver content of the Three Cent piece made it less susceptible to hoarding, ensuring its circulation during this period of economic uncertainty.
| Weight | 0.80 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 14 mm |
| Mint Marks | Philadelphia (no mint mark) |
| Composition | 75% silver, 25% copper |
| Obverse Design | Liberty head facing right wearing a coronet inscribed with the word LIBERTY, designed by James B. Longacre |
| Reverse Design | An ornamental letter C with the Roman numeral III inside, surrounded by 13 stars, designed by James B. Longacre |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of the 1854 Three Cent Silver piece significantly impacts its value. Due to its small size and typically weak strikes, high-grade examples are particularly scarce. Coins in Mint State conditions, especially MS65 and above, command substantial premiums.
Strike quality is a crucial factor, as many coins from this year exhibit weakness in central details. Luster is another important consideration, with fully lustrous examples being highly desirable. Toning can also affect value, with attractively toned pieces often commanding higher prices among collectors.
Mintage: 671,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above due to weak strikes and small size
Varieties Errors: None notable for this year
Market Demand: Moderate, popular among type set collectors and Three Cent Silver series specialists
Historical significance plays a role in the coin’s value, as it represents a unique period in American numismatic history. The coin’s association with postal history adds to its appeal among some collectors.
The overall rarity of the Three Cent Silver series contributes to the value of the 1854 issue. As a type coin, it’s sought after by collectors assembling 19th-century type sets.
The coin’s unusual denomination and distinctive design make it an intriguing piece for collectors, potentially increasing demand and value in the numismatic market.
