1859 Proof Three-Cent Silver (Trime)

First proof of the Type III design, the 1859 had a mintage of approximately 800 coins, a significant increase over the Type II proof production. The higher output reflects the growth of the American collector market in the late 1850s and the Mint's willingness to respond with larger proof runs. The 1859 proof is consequently more available than the Type I and Type II proofs, though it remains scarce by any general measure.

The Type III design shows the central star with only two outlines rather than the three of Type II. The reduced relief made the coin easier to strike, and proof examples benefit from the improved design with cleaner devices and more complete detail.