U.S. Three-Cent Silver (1851-1873)

Learn More About U.S. Three-Cent Silver (1851-1873)

The U.S. three-cent silver piece, also known as a trime, was minted from 1851 to 1873 in limited quantities. This interesting denomination was likely created in response to the lowering of postage rates from five cents to three cents in 1851. These silver coins were originally produced with 75% silver and 25% copper but their composition was changed in 1854 to include 90% silver in an effort to increase circulation. Three slightly different design types of these coins were produced by the U.S. Mint: Type I (1851-1853), Type II (1854-1858), and Type III (1859-1873). The three-cent silver piece was designed by James Longacre, the U.S. Mint’s chief engraver at the time. The coin was abolished by Congress with the Coinage Act of 1873. 

What is a U.S. three-cent silver coin worth today? Contact our expert numismatists at 1-800-965-2646.