1869 Silver Three-Cent Piece. MS-67 (NGC). A gorgeous, high Condition Census example of a three-cent silver issue that has made few appearances in our sales over the years. Exquisite Superb-quality surfaces are semi-reflective in finish, a feature that shines forcefully through lovely iridescent toning as the coin rotates under a light. Blended steel-gray and antique gold colors dominate, with intermingled blushes of champagne-pink, olive and powder blue providing further visual appeal. Fully struck with a silky smooth appearance that approaches numismatic perfection. This beautiful 1869 silver three-cent piece ranks among the finest certified survivors from a mintage of just 4,500 circulation strikes. The paltry mintage for this issue is explained by the marked reduction in usefulness for coins of this denomination in the years during and after the Civil War. In 1872 the Mint delivered the last circulation strikes of the type, in fact, and after a Proof-only delivery of 600 pieces in 1873 the silver three-cent piece passed into history.
