2089

Lustrous 1851 Three-Cent Silver PCGS MS66 [L#2089

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:650.00 USD Estimated At:1,000.00 - 2,000.00 USD
Lustrous 1851 Three-Cent Silver PCGS MS66 [L#2089
Minted from an alloy of 75% silver and 25% copper, this lovely Gem has developed pastel toning on a base of natural light dove-gray, with fields and devices supremely frosty.

Large numbers were minted of this denomination in 1851-53, and they circulated widely, replacing some of the smaller Mexican silver coins. Of course, they were found preferable to Shinplasters or the bulky copper coins of the day. The little silver coins soon became known as "fish scales" for their size and silver reflectivity.

By 1853 Congress acted to reduce the silver content in coins ranging from half dimes to half dollars (silver dollars were left out of this adjustment for sentimental reasons) to get the silver value below the face value, and thus allow small silver coins circulate again. Congress also adjusted the silver content of the little 3¢ coin, raising it to 90% in line with other silver coins of the era, and this no doubt eased smelting and refining operations at the mints. To note the change in silver content, mint engraver Longacre proposed outlining the existing obverse star with two extra outer lines, and placing a small sprig above the denomination and a cluster of arrows below on the reverse. These proposals were implemented at the beginning of 1854.