Three-Cent Silver Values & Mintages

Grading tips

The star's outlines and the shield at its center show wear first. These thin coins are often bent or damaged.

Meant for stamps, limited as money

The law that created the trime made it legal tender only for payments of thirty cents or less. It was a convenience coin for buying three-cent stamps and making small change, not a store of value. The low silver content of the early issues also kept it in circulation when larger silver coins were being hoarded.

The 1854 redesign did more than add outlines to the star. It also placed an olive sprig above the III and a bundle of arrows below it on the reverse. In 1865 the copper-nickel three-cent piece arrived. The silver coin faded from use until the Coinage Act of 1873 ended it.

Collecting tips for trimes

The 1862/1 overdate is an affordable variety. Late-date proofs often survive in better numbers than business strikes. Because the coin is so thin, check carefully for bends, holes and old jewelry use.

The Act of February 21, 1853, which reduced the weight of other silver coins, raised the trime's fineness to 90% and set its weight at 0.75 grams. The change took effect with the 1854 coins, which is why the design was altered at the same time so users could tell the new coins from the old.

Frequently asked questions