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1852

Two & Three Cents · Three-Cent Silvers (Trimes) · 1851–1873
Regular
Weight0.8 g
Diameter14 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 18,663,500
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition75% Silver, 25% Copper
DesignerJames B. Longacre
Collector's Key IDCK-877

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About this coinHistory

Philadelphia delivered approximately 18.66 million trimes in 1852, the highest single-year output in the entire series. The massive figure reflects the denomination's early popularity and the Mint's confidence in meeting commercial demand. The trime was working. People were using it to buy postage stamps and make small change, and the Philadelphia Mint produced as many as the presses could accommodate.

The Type I design continued unchanged from 1851. The six-pointed star with federal shield on the obverse, the ornamental C enclosing III on the reverse, the 75% silver composition, the 14-millimeter diameter. Nothing had been modified between years, and nothing needed to be. The coin was in its working prime.

As one of the most plentiful dates in the series, the 1852 is the natural type coin for representing the Type I three-cent silver. The high mintage, combined with a reasonable survival rate, means that Good to Fine examples are available and affordable. Very Fine and above are less common but still attainable, and Uncirculated examples appear at auction regularly enough that a patient collector can be selective about eye appeal.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G) $35 $41
VG-8 Very Good (VG) $40 $47
F-12 Fine (F) $48 $56
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $61 $70
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $81 $93
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $135 $156
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $189 $220
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS) $345 $365
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1852 Three-Cent Silver (Trimes) worth?
In Good condition it runs about $35–$41, rising to roughly $189–$220 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1852 Three-Cent Silvers (Trimes) were minted?
18,663,500 were struck.
What is a 1852 Three-Cent Silver (Trimes) made of?
75% Silver, 25% Copper, weighing 0.8 g.
What is the melt value of a 1852 Three-Cent Silver (Trimes)?
Its melt value is its metal content multiplied by the current spot price. See our melt calculator on the metals pages for a live figure.
Is the 1852 Three-Cent Silver (Trimes) a key date?
It's a more common date overall, though scarcer die varieties may carry a premium — see the varieties list.