1859 Silver Three-Cent Piece. MS-66 (PCGS).Really a lovely example, the surfaces are dressed in vivid iridescent toning of antique gold, steel-olive, medium rose and cobalt blue. Areas of brilliance persist on the obverse, both sides with a full quota of satiny luster supporting the toning. Boldly struck. The 1859 is the first circulation strike issue of the Type III silver three-cent piece. The metallic composition and design are identical to those on the Type II trime except for the removal of one of the extra outlines to the obverse star. Walter Breen (1988) speculates that this minor design change was made to extend working die life and otherwise ease the Mints burden in producing these coins. The 1859 is one of the most popular type candidates of this new design, and the present Gem would serve well in this capacity in a high quality set.PCGS# 3677. NGC ID: 22Z8.PCGS Population: 24; 10 finer (MS-68 finest).From the Collection of James Allaire Millholland, 1842-1911.
