1861 Three Cents Value: Mint Varieties, Rarity, and Current Prices

Price Guide for 1861 Three Cents Variants

This guide presents price ranges for 1861 Three Cents variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.

1861 3 Cents (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $28.00 - $480.00

  Uncirculated: $2.50 - $21,600.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $22.50 - $399.90

  Uncirculated: $79.78 - $3,450.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $65.00 - $375.00

  Uncirculated: $400.00 - $50,000.00

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1861 3 Cents (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $276.00

  Uncirculated: $3.15 - $16,100.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $666.00 - $3,671.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $650.00 - $750.00

  Uncirculated: $800.00 - $22,500.00

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1861 3 Cents, CAM (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $374.00 - $26,400.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $1,100.00 - $30,000.00

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Design and Specifications of the 1861 Three Cents

Rarity Factors and Value Drivers

Condition plays a crucial role in determining the value of 1861 Three Cent Silver coins. Due to their small size and delicate design, high-grade specimens are particularly scarce. Coins in Mint State condition with full luster and minimal contact marks command significant premiums.

Strike quality is essential, as many examples from this era suffer from weak strikes, particularly on the reverse. Coins with sharp details and full rims are highly desirable. The presence of original toning can also enhance value, with collectors favoring coins displaying attractive, natural color.

Historical significance adds to the appeal of the 1861 Three Cent Silver. As a Civil War era coin, it attracts both coin collectors and Civil War memorabilia enthusiasts. The lower mintage compared to some other years makes this date more desirable.

Die varieties, while not widely cataloged for this issue, can potentially add value if discovered. Collectors should examine coins for any unusual characteristics that might indicate a rare die pairing or mint error.

The overall scarcity of high-grade examples means that even small improvements in condition can result in significant price increases, particularly for coins grading MS64 and above.