WHAT IS A UNITED STATES SILVER THREE CENT PIECE?

CHICAGO AREA COIN SHOP

U.S. SILVER THREE-CENT PIECE – BUY & SELL IN CHICAGO

The U.S. Silver Three-Cent Piece, also known as the Three-Cent Silver or “Trime,” holds a special place in American numismatic history. Struck by the U.S. Mint between 1851 and 1873, it remains one of the smallest and most distinctive coins ever produced by the United States government. Though tiny in size, the Three-Cent Silver coin reflects an era of innovation, necessity, and changing economic conditions in mid-19th century America.

At Oakton Coins & Collectibles in Skokie, near Chicago, we buy and sell Three-Cent Silver coins in all grades and varieties. Whether your coins are well-circulated or certified by PCGS or NGC, our experts provide accurate appraisals and top market prices based on rarity, date, and condition.

At the time, the U.S. Post Office had just reduced the postage rate to three cents per letter, and this new coin fit perfectly into the daily economy. It was convenient, lightweight, and practical for both merchants and consumers.

The obverse features the goddess Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed “LIBERTY,” and holding a pole topped with a Phrygian cap — a classic symbol of freedom. The reverse displays a bold Roman numeral “III,” framed by a laurel wreath and surrounded by the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and the denomination “3 CENTS.”

Each variation reflects the Mint’s adjustments to both public demand and silver price fluctuations.

By 1873, the Coinage Act officially ended production of the silver version. The short lifespan and small mintage numbers make the Three-Cent Silver a fascinating collectible today.

At Oakton Coins & Collectibles, we are always interested in purchasing:

Whether you inherited a collection or recently discovered one in storage, we can help identify key dates, determine grading potential, and provide free, no-obligation appraisals.

Walk-ins are welcome, or you can schedule an appointment for estate evaluations or larger collections.

Conveniently located right near 94 West (Kennedy) near downtown Skokie (very close to Chicago), and less than two blocks from the Oakton stop on the Yellow Line CTA (Skokie Swift). It is within minutes of downtown Arlington Heights, Barrington, Brookfield, Deerfield, Des Plaines, Elmhurst, Elk Grove Village, Evanston, Franklin Park, Forest Glen, Glencoe, Glenview, Highland Park, Hoffman Estates, La Grange, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Lincolnwood, Lincolnshire, Lombard, Morton Grove, Naperville, Northbrook, Northfield, Oak Brook, Oak Park, Palatine, Park Ridge, Portage Park, Prospect Heights, Rogers Park, Schaumburg, Wheaton, Wheeling, & Winnetka.