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1860

Two & Three Cents · Three-Cent Silvers (Trimes) · 1851–1873
Regular
Weight0.75 g
Diameter14 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 287,000
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition90% Silver, 10% Copper
DesignerJames B. Longacre
Collector's Key IDCK-892

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About this coinHistory

Philadelphia struck 287,000 trimes in 1860 as the country moved toward civil war. Abraham Lincoln won the presidency in November on a platform opposing the expansion of slavery. South Carolina seceded from the Union on December 20, 1860, and other Deep South states would follow within weeks. The trime circulated during the final months before the Confederacy was formally established and the war began.

The coin is available but scarce in higher grades. Uncirculated examples command premiums that reflect both the low mintage and the historical weight of the date. The Type III design with its two-outline star and olive branch reverse is the standard form for the denomination from this point forward.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G) $46 $53
VG-8 Very Good (VG) $53 $62
F-12 Fine (F) $57 $66
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $61 $70
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $74 $85
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $142 $164
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $183 $210
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS) $320 $340
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1860 Three-Cent Silver (Trimes) worth?
In Good condition it runs about $46–$53, rising to roughly $183–$210 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1860 Three-Cent Silvers (Trimes) were minted?
287,000 were struck.
What is a 1860 Three-Cent Silver (Trimes) made of?
90% Silver, 10% Copper, weighing 0.75 g.
What is the melt value of a 1860 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 1860 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.