1854 Silver Three-Cent Piece ("Trime") ☆ Smallest U.S. Silver Coin ☆ 644

Denomination: Three Cent

Composition: Silver

Year: 1854

Strike Type: Business

Fineness: 0.9

Mint Location: Philadelphia

KM Number: 109

Country of Origin: United States

Own a genuine piece of pre-Civil War American silver history. Struck at the original Philadelphia Mint, this 1854 Silver Three-Cent Piece (famously nicknamed the "Trime") marks the important first year of the Type II design. Issued to facilitate the purchase of 3-cent postage stamps and relieve small change shortages, the silver trime holds the distinction of being the smallest and lightest silver coin ever produced by the United States Mint.

Designed by Chief Engraver James B. Longacre, the Type II variety is distinguished by the addition of two extra outline borders around the central star on the obverse and an olive branch/arrows added inside the reverse 'C'. Struck in 90% fine silver (upgraded from the 75% alloy used in 1851–1853), this 170+ year-old tiny treasure exhibits sharp relief detail and a stunning, natural multi-toned patina.