The three-cent silver, also known as the three-cent piece in silver or trime, was struck by the Mint of the United States for circulation from 1851 to 1872, and as a proof coin in 1873. Designed by the Mint's chief engraver, James B. Longacre, it circulated well while other silver coinage was being hoarded and melted, but once that problem was addressed, became less used. It was abolished by Congress with the Coinage Act of 1873.
Image: 1851 O 3CS (obv)
Image: 1858 3CS (obv)
Image: 1866 3CS
Image: 1851 O 3CS (rev)
The copper-nickel three-cent piece, often called a three-cent nickel piece or three-cent nickel, was designed by US Mint Chief Engraver James B. Longacre and struck by the United States Bureau of the Mint from 1865 to 1889. It was initially popular, but its place in commerce was supplanted by the five-cent piece, or nickel.
Image: NNC US 1865 3C Three Cent, Nickel
Image: NNC US 1865 3C Three Cent, Nickel
The silver three-cent piece was issued beginning in 1851.
A worn three-cent fractional currency note of 1864