1853 Three-Cent Silver Piece — Type 1 Trime

$38.00 $45.00
1853 Three-Cent Silver Piece — Type 1 Trime

1853 Three-Cent Silver Piece — Type 1 Trime

$38.00 $45.00

1853 Three-Cent Silver Piece — Type 1 Trime

Own a fascinating piece of early American numismatic history with this 1853 Three-Cent Silver Piece, commonly known among collectors as a Trime. This unusual denomination represents one of the smallest and lightest silver coins ever issued for circulation by the United States Mint.

First introduced in 1851, the Three-Cent Silver Piece was created to address the need for small-denomination coinage during a period when traditional silver coins were frequently hoarded. Its three-cent denomination was especially practical following the reduction of the domestic letter postage rate to three cents in 1851.

The 1853 issue belongs to the Type 1 design, produced from 1851 through 1853. Designed by James B. Longacre, this original design features a six-pointed star surrounding a Union shield on the obverse, symbolizing the strength and unity of the United States.

The reverse displays the Roman numeral III within an ornamental letter C, surrounded by thirteen stars representing the original American colonies.

Unlike later Three-Cent Silver Pieces, which were struck in 90% silver, the 1853 Type 1 issue contains 75% silver and 25% copper. This distinctive composition, combined with its remarkably small size, makes it an interesting addition to any collection of early United States coinage.

As the final year of the Type 1 design, the 1853 Three-Cent Silver Piece holds particular appeal for collectors assembling complete type sets, obsolete denominations, and historic American silver coins.

Product Details

  • Denomination: Three Cents ($0.03 USD)

  • Year: 1853

  • Mint: Philadelphia (No Mint Mark)

  • Series: Three-Cent Silver (1851–1873)

  • Type: Type 1 (1851–1853)

  • Common Name: Trime

  • Original Mintage: 11,400,000 business strikes

  • Composition: 75% Silver, 25% Copper

  • Weight: 0.80 grams

  • Diameter: 14.0 mm

  • Actual Silver Weight (ASW): Approximately 0.0193 Troy Ounces

  • Designer: James B. Longacre

  • Obverse: Six-pointed star enclosing a Union shield

  • Reverse: Roman numeral III within an ornamental C, surrounded by thirteen stars

  • Edge: Plain

  • Condition: See product photographs for the exact coin offered

  • Quantity: One individual coin

Please Note: This listing is for one specific 1853 Three-Cent Silver Piece. The coin pictured is the exact coin you will receive.

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