Whitman Expo
His free weekly newsletter offers insights on the coin and metals markets, and consumer education.
Thank you to our sponsors!
Go check them out!
Proof 3 cent silver coins were struck from 1854 through 1873 and cover most years of the series, which spanned from 1851 through 1873. All 3 cent silver coins, designed by Engraver James B. Longacre, are scarce and generally priced in the mid hundreds and up.
3 cent silver coins, also known as "trimes," were used for the purpose of purchasing postage, which was 3 cents per letter in the early 1850s. The denomination was also popular for other uses in commerce but was phased out in 1873 along with other denominations, including the 2 cent coin and half dime.
While there are three subtypes in the 3 cent silver series, only two are represented in proof format. These include the Variety II (1854-1858) and Variety III (1859-1873). Overall, the scarcest proof issue is the 1854, which is generally a five-figure coin. Proofs dated 1855-1858 and the 1873 are also scarce and usually command four-figure prices.
Obverse Description
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.
Reverse Description
The roman numeral III is centered in the design ensconced in a large, bejeweled letter C surrounded by 13 stars on the periphery.
Catalog Information
GSID:
77934
Designer:
James B. Longacre
Obverse Designer:
James B. Longacre
Obverse Lettering:
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, [Date]
Reverse Designer:
James B. Longacre
Reverse Lettering:
III
Fineness:
0.9
Weight (gr):
0.75 gr
Weight (oz):
0.0241 oz
Precious Metal Weight:
0.0217 oz
Strike Type:
Proof
Diameter:
14
Coin Shape:
Round
Edge:
Plain
Variety:
no 1851
Variety 2:
22 Coins
Coin Date:
3-Cent Silver Set
Denomination:
3cS
Designation:
PR
Mint Location:
Philadelphia
Coinage Type:
Three cent silver
Coinage Years:
1854-1873
Composition:
0.9 silver; 0.1 copper
Send Catalog Feedback
To: editor@greysheet.com
Subject: I would like to contribute catalog info to CDN for 3-Cent Silver Set 3cS no 1851, 22 Coins PR
Body: Referring page: http://livetest.greysheet.com/prices/item/three-cent-silver-set-proof-strike/gsid/77934 GSID: 77934 Title: 3-Cent Silver Set 3cS no 1851, 22 Coins PR
Subscribe to View
Log In
View more data, info, and visualizations. Get access to retail and wholesale pricing as well as auction data.
Coin Value History
3-Cent Silver Set 3cS no 1851, 22 Coins PR
Value By Grade
3-Cent Silver Set 3cS no 1851, 22 Coins PR
CPG (retail) values
Currency
Grade Range
Grading Authority
Sort by
Pricing
Values
Greysheet & CPG® Values
| Grade | CAC | CPG Value (Retail) | Greysheet Price (Wholesale) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PR66 |
|
$260,000 | $1,234 |
| PR66 | - | $216,000 | $1,234 |
| PR65 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR65 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR64 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR64 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR63 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR63 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR62 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR62 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR61 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR61 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR60 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR60 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
3-Cent Silver 3cS Type 1, 1851-1853 PR [Type]
![3-Cent Silver 3cS Type 1, 1851-1853 PR [Type]](https://images.greysheet.com/Ctc/Catalog/20200815/254d9964-9488-433b-8df0-389914c4dd45.jpg?MaxWidth=200&Mode=Pad&Scale=UpscaleCanvas&format=webp)
Worth: $200,000 – $240,000
1851 3cS PR
Worth: $200,000 – $240,000
3-Cent Silver 3cS Type 2, 1854-1858 PR [Type]
![3-Cent Silver 3cS Type 2, 1854-1858 PR [Type]](https://images.greysheet.com/Ctc/CatalogEntry/legendauctions_hibid_com_lot_47237878-0.20200717044549369.jpg?MaxWidth=200&Mode=Pad&Scale=UpscaleCanvas&format=webp)
Worth: $1,500 – $60,000
1854 3cS PR
Worth: $6,000 – $54,000
1855 3cS PR
Worth: $3,000 – $40,000
1856 3cS PR
Worth: $2,000 – $36,000
1857 3cS PR
Worth: $1,800 – $30,000
1858 3cS PR
Worth: $1,500 – $60,000
3-Cent Silver 3cS Type 3, 1859-1873 PR [Type]
![3-Cent Silver 3cS Type 3, 1859-1873 PR [Type]](https://images.greysheet.com/ctc/catalog/18663csPR.jpg?MaxWidth=200&Mode=Pad&Scale=UpscaleCanvas&format=webp)
Worth: $400 – $17,000
1859 3cS PR
Worth: $500 – $8,400
1860 3cS PR
Worth: $400 – $12,000
1861 3cS PR
Worth: $400 – $20,400
1862 3cS PR
Worth: $400 – $9,000
1863 3cS PR
Worth: $400 – $24,000
1863/2 3cS PR
Worth: $470 – $13,200
Greysheet News
Consumer Advocate Mike Fuljenz Wins NLG's Newsletter Award
9/15/2026
Incredible Rarities Shatter Records Amid Furious Bidding at Stack's Bowers Galleries' Summer 2026 Global Showcase Rarities Night Session
Stack's Bowers Galleries, one of the world's largest and most prestigious rare coin auction houses, is proud to announce record breaking results from the Rarities Night session of its annual Summer Global Showcase Auction.
9/15/2026
Five U.S. Coins Bring 7 Figures in $67 Million+ Heritage ANA Auctions
Scandinavian gold rarities also command exceptional results.
9/11/2026
Events
Heritage Auctions: US Coins Tuesday & Wednesday Select Auction
Location: Heritage Auctions
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Heritage Auctions: World & Ancient Coins Wednesday & Thursday Select Auction
Location: Heritage Auctions
Thursday, July 2, 2026
