1861 3CS MS63 认证号33832944, PCGS号3679

1861 3CS – Civil War Collection – In 1861, there were 497,000 “Three Cent Silver” piece minted in Philadelphia. No other US Mint produced 3CS pieces that year. The survival rate has been estimated at 7,500 pieces with 1,000 being uncirculated and approximately 400 graded MS65 or higher. With amble minting, the collector can find reasonably priced coins available in the market although, as expected, the price increases on condition as well as eye appearance as many of the coins are not particularly attractive. The 1861 3CS coin shown here has remarkable eye appeal and would request a premium over a traditional MS63 coin.

Ron Guth

The 1861 Three Cent Silver has the highest mintage of any date in the 1860s, but this is a relative term, since the 1852 (the most common date in the series) has a mintage that is 375 times that of the 1861.  This disparate relationship does not translate to the PCGS Population Report, where the census of the 1852 is only twice that of the 1861, but this is due to the fact that most circulated examples never make it to the grading services.

The PCGS Condition Census contains a full complement of MS67 examples, meaning that collectors can find some wonderful examples on the market.  The 1861 usually comes well struck, seldom with clashmarks, and often with rich, frosty luster.  For type purposes, this is a great date, and one that offers excellent value.