Three Cent Thursday: 1854 Three Cent Silver PCGS MS68, Tied For Finest For The Type Two Design

1854 3CS MS68 PCGS. CAC. Ex: Simpson. The Type Two Three Cent Silvers, struck only from 1854 to 1858, show two lines bordering the six-pointed star on the obverse. The earlier Type One coins from 1851 through 1853 show no lines around the star, while the later (1859-73) issues had one line. This splendid 1854 Three Cent Silver, one of 671,000 coins struck that year, is the tied for finest of the entire Type Two design with an 1858 submission at PCGS (11/20).



This piece combines a bold strike, generous luster, and particularly attractive patina without any distractions whatsoever. The clash marks visible in the fields on each side are virtually a given, completely predictable on this denomination and, in any case, they are not considered in grade determination. The mint luster is thick and frosty, the strike is essentially full, producing complete detail on all peripheral elements - remarkable in itself. Finally, the patina, consisting of flecks of iridescent cherry, cobalt-blue, mint-green, pale lavender, and amber-gold, is especially attractive, contrasting against light silver-gray areas.

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