Just received this is the mail about an hour ago. Only took 6 days instead of the usual 2-3. At least I have it in my possession. Currently resides in my Dansco 7070. My Nickel Trime is better but I needed a silver one. Those are difficult to find in decent shape. They sure are small though. Lol
That is a very sweet 3 cent. I've been hunting one for my type set, you're not kidding when you say they hard to come by in nice shape (unless you're rich as midas lol)
No I’m not kidding. It took awhile to find this one. I wanted a low AU but settled for an XF. Still nice looking though. Hope you find a suitable one for your collection in the near future.
I look at every show try and hunts down these little gems...but they are few and far between in a decent grade.
Hahaha Randy. You’re showing your age. Sorry but I couldn’t resist. Glad someone knew this. Trime coins were minted from 1851-1873. The California Gold Rush brought a vast amount of gold into the country. Silver could be traded for increasing amounts of gold. As a result U.S. silver coins were exported and melted for their metal. With that occurring and the reduction of postage rates to three cents, Congress was prompted to authorize a three cent coin made of .750 fine silver, rather than the conventional .900. The three-cent silver was the first American coin to contain metal valued significantly less than its face value, and the first silver coin not to be legal tender for an unlimited amount. The coin saw heavy use until Congress acted again in 1853, making other silver coins lighter, which kept them in circulation. The public was hoarding silver coins with the higher silver content. Congress also lightened the three-cent silver, and increased its fineness to 900 silver in 1854. The Trime underwent several changes, having three varieties. Almost all of the circulation issues from 1863 to 1872 were melted in 1873. In 1873 only 600 coins were minted, all proofs. Trimes made of Nickel were minted from 1865-1889.
Fascinating little things, aren't they? I've got a bunch, but nearly all rimless, and many dateless. I've got one that might have some luster left, but it's also been harshly cleaned. (Edited: found it, confirmed the cleaning. Looks like it was a bit corroded before they took the eraser to it.)
Yeah, it's a shame -- but if it hadn't been damaged, someone else would own it, having paid a lot more than I did. At least now I have a 3-cent silver that shows some detail.
15 known? That date had a high mintage. Is that the 2/1 over date? Please explain Paddy. I’m curious.
Now David, what have you been told about finishing what you have before asking for more? Shame on you for buying when you have so many unopened packages.
