1853 Silver Three-Cent Piece (Trime)
United States Mint (Philadelphia) · Collectibles & Antiques > Coins & Paper Money
Era / Decade
1850s (Specially 1853)
Material
75% Silver, 25% Copper. This early variety (Type 1) contains more silver than later versions.
Condition
Good (G-4) to Very Good (VG-8). The coin shows significant circulation wear; the lines in the shield are visible but the star's edges are flattened and the surface is dark/heavily toned.
Demand Level
Moderate. Collectors of 'Odd Denominations' always look for trimes, but 1853 is a common date.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$25.00 - $45.00
Estimated Retail Value
$45.00 - $60.00 (Current numismatic retail price for this grade)
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay sold listings for 1853 Trimes in 'G' to 'VG' condition range from $22.00 to $38.00 plus shipping.
Description
Authentic 1853 United States Silver Three-Cent piece, also known as a 'Trime'. This is the smallest silver coin ever minted by the U.S. Mint. The obverse features a six-pointed star with a shield in the center, surrounded by 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and the date. The reverse (not shown but implied) features a large stylized 'C' enclosing the Roman numeral 'III'.
Key Features
High silver content for the era; unique historical oddity as the smallest US silver coin; high mintage year makes it an affordable entry point for 19th-century coin collectors.
Authenticity Indicators
Correct font style for 1853; appropriate wear patterns for 75% silver. Confidence: High. Note that 'Type 1' trimes (1851-1853) have no extra lines around the star.
Flaws to Note
Heavy circulation wear; surface scratches; dark oxidation/toning; lack of crisp detail on the star points. Do NOT clean the coin as it destroys numismatic value.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (highest reach), local coin shops (fastest cash but lower offer), or r/CoinSales on Reddit.
Selling Tips
Take high-resolution, macro photos of both sides. Never use the word 'polished' or 'cleaned' if you want to sell to serious collectors. Use keywords like 'Trime', '90% silver' (though this is 75%, people search it), and 'Civil War Era' for visibility.