1864 Silver Three-Cent Piece. Proof-65 Cameo (PCGS). Both the technical quality and aesthetic appeal of this flashy Gem are amazing. Pronounced reflectivity in the fields serves as a splendid backdrop to fully impressed, satin-textured devices. An absolutely spectacular piece to examine in-hand, with overall untoned, platinum-white surfaces. <p><p><p>Produced during the penultimate year of the Civil War, the 1864 silver three-cent piece emerged during a time when silver coinage was no longer found in circulation in the Eastern and Midwestern United States. Such pieces had disappeared from commercial channels in the spring of 1862. The circulation strike mintage for this issue amounted to a mere 12,000 pieces, placing significant collector demand on the 470 Proofs struck. Only about 150 examples remain at the Gem Proof level, and just a precious few with Cameo contrast.
