Whitman Expo
1869/'8' Narrow Date 3-Cent Silver PR Values
Details
The 1869 over 8 (or 9) proof three-cent silver comes from a moderately low mintage for its series of 600 coins. Most were saved, leaving the issue readily available to collectors and relatively affordable. Nearly all known examples exhibit a slight repunching on the digit 9. Scarce only in gem condition. Cameo pieces are far more difficult to locate in all grades and deep cameos are a rarity. Look for attractive toners as they are abundant for this series. The majority of known 1869 proof 3-cent silver pieces are of the over-date (assumed to be a 9 over 8) variety with a so-called narrow date punch. The non-overdate variety, with wide date punch, in far scarcer.
This coin is made of 0.9 silver; 0.1 copper and has a current melt value of $0.82
Obverse: A six-pointed star with a harp in the center is surrounded by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA on the periphery and the date positioned at the bottom. For the type III issues (1859-73) there is a single frame line around the star.
Reverse: The roman numeral III is centered in the design ensconced in a large, bejeweled letter C surrounded by 13 stars on the periphery. An olive sprig is added above the roman numerals.
Mint & Coinage Details
Mint Location:
Philadelphia
Mintage:
600
Coinage Type:
Three cent silver
Coinage Years:
1859-1873
Composition:
0.9 silver; 0.1 copper
Varieties and Classification
Variety:
Narrow Date
Physical Characteristics
Fineness:
0.9
Weight:
0.75 gr
Weight:
0.0241 oz
Precious Metal Weight:
0.0217 oz
Strike Type:
Proof
Diameter:
14 mm
Coin Shape:
Round
Design Details
Designer:
James B. Longacre
Obverse Lettering:
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 1869
Obverse Designer:
James B. Longacre
Reverse Lettering:
III
Reverse Designer:
James B. Longacre
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