1853 Silver Three-Cent Piece. MS-67+ (PCGS). CAC. Expertly produced and preserved with the utmost care, this coin is aglow with smooth, frosty mint luster. The strike is sharp to full at most features, and the surfaces border on pristine.<p>The 1853 issue is among the more available dates of the denomination, even in Mint State. A decent number of Choice pieces are known, as are coins at the MS-65 level, though above that grade this issue becomes more of a challenge. Superb Gem specimens are the exceptions and are eagerly sought. Here is a beautiful coin that would be just right for the finest type set.<p>The first three years of the new silver three-cent piece saw the greatest numbers struck, along with the only issue struck at a branch mint. Initially the new silver three-cent pieces circulated widely and were indeed primarily used for postage stamps as was intended. Soon, the coins small size proved to be its greatest weakness; they were frequently damaged or lost, plus they tended to discolor easily compared to the larger silver coins that included more silver. This earned the silver three-cent pieces the sobriquet of "fish scales" in common parlance. Production reached its zenith in 1852, and remained strong in 1853 with over 11 million pieces struck.
