The 1853 Silver Three-Cent Piece is one of the most sought after collector coins nowadays because there are so precious few available. Not only was this coin produced well over 150 years ago, it was produced in limited quantities for a limited period of time. As an extension of this, there are only a few of these coins remaining on the market today. Understanding all of this, it makes sense that there has never been a better time to get your hands on one.
On the obverse side of the coin, the first thing you will notice is the simplicity of the coin’s design. In the center of the coin is the shield of the United States as it existed at the time. The shield exists within a 6-pointed star. Around the outer edge of the obverse there is an inscription that reads “United States of America.” Finally, the 1853 year of minting is inscribed towards the bottom of the obverse.
The reverse side of the coin is just as interesting as the obverse, and in the center features the coin’s 3-cent face value. What must be mentioned about the face value is that it exists as Roman Numerals, and sits within a large, fancy letter “C.” Around the outside of the central imagery you will find 13 individual stars, each one representing one of the original 13 colonies of the United States.
For collectors, the fact of the matter is that extreme caution must be exercised before even considering the purchase of an 1853 Silver Three-Cent Piece. The reason this is so is due to the fact that the coin is extremely popular and counterfeited quite frequently. As a result, collectors are only going to settle for pieces that have been graded and certified as being authentic. Below, we have outlined the different coin grades and went into some detail with regard to what those grades exactly mean.
Uncirculated: If a Silver Three-Cent Piece is determined to be of Uncirculated grade, this means that the coin was never let out onto the open market. Having been kept in a safe place from the day it was minted, these pieces will be absolutely flawless save for some discoloration that occurs due to age.
Extremely Fine: A coin determined to be of Extremely Fine grade is one that will, to the naked eye, look to be flawless. Under closer inspection during the grading process, however, some minor flaws will be taken into account.
Fine: If your 1853 Silver Three-Cent Piece has been graded Fine, this typically means that the piece was in circulation and exchanging hands for a period of time. Despite this time in circulation, the coins will appear to be in mostly good condition, with all of the surface imagery and lettering still intact.
Good: Good is the worst grade a coin can receive, and is indicative of a piece that has been both heavily circulated and heavily damaged. These pieces will show significant types of damage, including chipping, scratching, and all sorts of other flaws.
When it comes to the price you might be asked to pay for an 1853 Silver Three-Cent Piece, this is something that is determined by the condition and grade of the coin. If it has been well-preserved, the coin will carry a higher asking price than a similar coin in worse condition. What’s more, because there are so few of these remaining, the price, per coin, will be inflated to some extent. Below, you will find a chart aimed at giving you a better idea of what you might be asked to pay for a graded 1853 Silver Three-Cent Piece.
Three Cent Silver
DATE | GOOD | FINE | EXTREMELY FINE | UNCIRCULATED |
---|---|---|---|---|
1853 Three Cent Silver | $25 | $50 | $80 | $150 | Source: Red Book |