1861 3CS (Regular Strike)

Series: Star Three Cent Silvers 1851-1872

PCGS MS68

View More Images

PCGS MS68

PCGS #:: 3679

Designer:: James Barton Longacre

Edge:: Plain

Diameter:: 14.30 millimeters

Weight:: 0.75 grams

Mintage:: 497,000

Mint:: Philadelphia

Metal:: 90% Silver, 10% Copper

Auction Record:: $21,600 • MS68 • 05-08-2022 • Heritage Auctions

ShowHide Related Coins and Varieties (1)

Major Varieties

1861 3CS

Go To Grade

Price Guide (USD)

PCGS Population

Auctions - PCGS Graded

Auctions - NGC Graded

Current Auctions - PCGS Graded

Current Auctions - NGC Graded

For Sale Now at Collectors Corner - PCGS Graded

For Sale Now at Collectors Corner - NGC Graded

Rarity and Survival Estimates Learn More

Grades	Survival Estimate The Survival Estimate represents an average of one or more experts' opinions as to how many examples survive of a particular coin in three categories: 1) all grades, 2) 60 or better, and 3) 65 or better. These estimates are based on a variety of sources, including population reports, auction appearances, and personal knowledge. Survival estimates include coins that are raw, certified by PCGS, and certified by other grading services.	Numismatic Rarity Numismatic Rarity converts the Survival Estimate for a particular coin into a number from 1 to 10 (with decimal increments) based on the PCGS Rarity Scale. The higher the number, the more rare the coin.	Relative Rarity By Type Relative Rarity By Type ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Type. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.	Relative Rarity By Series Relative Rarity By Series ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Series. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.
All Grades	7,500	R-3.5	15 / 16	21 / 25
60 or Better	1,000	R-5.0	14 / 16 TIE	20 / 25 TIE
65 or Better	400	R-6.2	15 / 16	22 / 25

Survival Estimate
All Grades	7,500
60 or Better	1,000
65 or Better	400

Numismatic Rarity
All Grades	R-3.5
60 or Better	R-5.0
65 or Better	R-6.2

Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type
All Grades	15 / 16
60 or Better	14 / 16 TIE
65 or Better	15 / 16

Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series
All Grades	21 / 25
60 or Better	20 / 25 TIE
65 or Better	22 / 25

Condition Census What Is This?

Pos	Grade	Image	Pedigree and History
1	MS67 PCGS grade
1	MS67 PCGS grade
1	MS67 PCGS grade
1	MS67 PCGS grade
1	MS67 PCGS grade
1	MS67 PCGS grade
1	MS67 PCGS grade
1	MS67 PCGS grade
1	MS67 PCGS grade
1	MS67 PCGS grade

#1 MS67 PCGS grade

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.