1858 Three-Cent Silver Piece — Type 2 Trime

1858 Three-Cent Silver Piece — Type 2 Trime

Own a fascinating piece of pre-Civil War American numismatic history with this 1858 Three-Cent Silver Piece, commonly known among collectors as a Trime. This unusual denomination represents one of the smallest and lightest silver coins ever produced for circulation by the United States Mint.

First introduced in 1851, the Three-Cent Silver Piece was created to provide a convenient small-denomination coin during a period when traditional silver coins were frequently hoarded. Its unusual three-cent denomination was especially useful following the reduction of domestic letter postage to three cents in 1851.

The 1858 issue represents the final year of the Type 2 design, which was produced from 1854 through 1858. Designed by James B. Longacre, this distinctive variety features a six-pointed star enclosing a Union shield on the obverse, with three outlines surrounding the central star.

The reverse displays the Roman numeral III within an ornamental letter C, surrounded by thirteen stars representing the original American colonies. The Type 2 design is distinguished by an olive sprig positioned above the numeral III and a bundle of arrows below it.

Unlike the earlier Type 1 Three-Cent Silver Pieces, which contained 75% silver, the 1858 issue was struck in 90% silver and 10% copper. This composition change was introduced in 1854 as part of the broader reforms to United States subsidiary silver coinage.

The 1858 Three-Cent Silver Piece is particularly appealing to collectors because it represents the final year of the Type 2 design, which was replaced by the modified Type 3 design beginning in 1859.

With its distinctive appearance, historic silver composition, and obsolete denomination, this coin makes an excellent addition to a collection of early United States coins, classic silver coinage, or American type coins.

Product Details

• Denomination: Three Cents ($0.03 USD)

• Year: 1858

• Mint: Philadelphia (No Mint Mark)

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

• Type: Type 2 (1854–1858)

• Common Name: Trime

• Original Mintage: 1,603,700 business strikes

• Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper

• Weight: 0.75 grams

• Diameter: 14.0 mm

• Actual Silver Weight (ASW): Approximately 0.0217 Troy Ounces

• Designer: James B. Longacre

• Obverse: Six-pointed star enclosing a Union shield, with three outlines around the star

• Reverse: Roman numeral III within an ornamental C, with an olive sprig above and arrows below

• Edge: Plain

• Condition: See product photographs for the exact coin offered

• Quantity: One individual coin

Please Note: This listing is for one specific 1858 Three-Cent Silver Piece. The coin pictured is the exact coin you will receive.