U.S. Three-Cent Silver ‘Trime’ Coins
(1851 - 1873)
The Three-Cent Silver, often nicknamed the “Trime,” was struck from 1851 to 1873. It was introduced to help facilitate the purchase of postage stamps after postal rates were reduced to three cents. Its small size and low silver content made it convenient for everyday transactions at the time.
The series went through three distinct design types. The first (1851–1853) contained 75% silver and 25% copper. Beginning in 1854, the composition was adjusted to 90% silver and 10% copper, where it remained through the end of the series. Design modifications during this transition created the commonly referenced Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 varieties.
Due to its tiny diameter — one of the smallest coins ever produced by the U.S. Mint — the Trime was easily lost and often heavily worn. Production declined after the Civil War as other small-denomination coins, including the Three-Cent Nickel, replaced its usefulness. The denomination was officially discontinued in 1873.
Check out dates & mintages for U.S. Three-Cent Silver Coins, below.Business Strikes
Type 1, Small Star
1851 | 5,447,400
1851-O | 720,000
1852 | 18,663,500
1853 | 11,400,000
Type 2, Large Star, Three Lines
1854 | 671,000
1855 | 139,000
1856 | 1,458,000
1857 | 1,042,000
1858 | 1,603,700
Type 3, Large Star, Two Lines
1859 | 364,200
1860 | 286,000
1861 | 497,000
1862 | 343,000
1863 | 21,000
1864 | 12,000
1865 | 8,000
1866 | 22,000
1867 | 4,000
1868 | 3,500
1869 | 4,500
1870 | 3,000
1871 | 3,400
1872 | 1,000
Proof Strikes
Type 2, Large Star, Three Lines
1854 Proof | 30
1855 Proof | 20
1856 Proof | 100
1857 Proof | 300
1858 Proof | 210
Type 3, Large Star, Two Lines
1859 Proof | 800
1860 Proof | 1,000
1861 Proof | 1,000
1862 Proof | 550
1863 Proof | 460
1864 Proof | 470
1865 Proof | 500
1866 Proof | 725
1867 Proof | 625
1868 Proof | 600
1869 Proof | 600
1870 Proof | 1,000
1871 Proof | 960
1872 Proof | 950
1873 Proof | 600
If You Collect Three-Cent Coins, Check Out The ‘US Odd Denominations’ Type Set!
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