Whitman Expo
1863 3-Cent Silver MS Values
Details
With just 21,000 coins struck in 1863, this is a very scarce Three Cent Silver Issue. This date is tough to find at any grade level but true scarcity starts in Mint State. MS64 through MS66 are very scarce and come right before a large price jump. MS67 and finer are extremely rare. Just be on the lookout for weak strikes.
This coin is made of 0.9 silver; 0.1 copper and has a current melt value of $1.58
Obverse: A six-pointed star with a harp in the center is surrounded by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA on the periphery and the date positioned at the bottom. For the type III issues (1859-73) there is a single frame line around the star.
Reverse: The roman numeral III is centered in the design ensconced in a large, bejeweled letter C surrounded by 13 stars on the periphery. An olive sprig is added above the roman numerals.
Mint & Coinage Details
Mint Location:
Philadelphia
Mintage:
21,000
Coinage Type:
Three cent silver
Coinage Years:
1859-1873
Composition:
0.9 silver; 0.1 copper
Physical Characteristics
Fineness:
0.9
Weight:
0.75 gr
Weight:
0.0241 oz
Precious Metal Weight:
0.0217 oz
Strike Type:
Business
Diameter:
14 mm
Coin Shape:
Round
Design Details
Designer:
James B. Longacre
Obverse Lettering:
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 1863
Obverse Designer:
James B. Longacre
Reverse Lettering:
III
Reverse Designer:
James B. Longacre
Feedback:
![Red Book Podcast with John Feigenbaum and Jeff Garrett [Video]](https://images.greysheet.com/l/blogs/20260417/b30b4ba0-dc36-41c3-9c77-c26fa7c27498.png)
