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Two Cent Pieces/Three Cent Pieces
176 1865. PCGS graded MS-66 Red PQ. CAC Approved. A nice
fully red example. A blazing copper-bright specimen with
increasingly satin highlights toward the rims including an inter-
esting die break at a stress point on this die, from the tip of the
ribbon (which holds IN GOD WE TRUST) to the right rim at the
3 o’clock position. A satiny gem of the finest order, strictly meet-
ing or exceeding the MS66 standard we might add, and among
the finest certified by PCGS. Need we remind bidders that a
weak impression was left by the rebound of the (often dilapi-
dated) dies that usually struck this denomination; however, in
the present case, the opposite is true, this second year of issue
coin shows outstanding detail and a clear, resolute strike. Pop
44; 1 finer in 67. (PCGS # 3584)
Estimated Value ..............................................$3,500 - 4,000
177 1866. PCGS graded Proof 65 Red PQ. Housed in an Old
Green Holder. Only 725 minted. A wonderful red coin. Bright
and flashy red with deeper gold highlights in places. A lovely
gem, equal to the task of the assigned Proof 65 grade, and bet-
tered by few others. Struck with systematic exactness through-
out, there is no sign of weak areas anywhere on this superior
Proof coin. Pop 31; 2 finer in 66. (PCGS # 3632)
Estimated Value ..............................................$2,700 - 2,900
178 1870. PCGS graded MS-64 Red. CAC Approved. Scarce
date in red, much tougher to find than 1864-69 issues in this
desirable state of preservation. Full, bold transfer from the die
to planchet seen in the wreath, shield lines, and all legends.
Pop 20; 16 finer, 1 in 64+, 15 in 65. ( PCGS # 3608)
Estimated Value ..............................................$3,000 - 3,200
179 1871. PCGS graded Proof 65 Red. A blazing red coin. Only
960 struck. A sparkling Gem Proof of the finest order. Broadly
sweeping mirror surface supports intense mint color and irides-
cence. Outstanding for the PR65 grade and certain to attract
much bidding interest. Pop 42; 16 finer, 2 in 65, 14 in 66.
(PCGS # 3647)
Estimated Value ..............................................$2,900 - 3,000
180 1872. PCGS graded MS-64 Brown. CAC Approved. Only
65,000 minted. Nice brown toning. Deep reddish brown color
covers the fields of this handsome and very scarce Two-cent
coin, which happens to be the last circulation strike production
coin in the brief series that lasted from 1864 until 1873. The last
year of issue was struck in Proof only. Especially bold strike. Sel-
dom offered this nice as the census would seem to indicate:
Pop 11; 3 finer in 65. ( PCGS # 3612)
Estimated Value ..............................................$3,400 - 3,500
THREE CENT PIECES
Si l ve r Thr ee Cen t Pi eces
GEM PROOF 1857 SILVER THREE CENTS
Enlargement
181 1857. PCGS graded Proof 65. CAC Approved. Lovely
blue toning. Only 75 minted. Pop 11; 1 finer in 66.
(PCGS # 3704)
Estimated Value .................................... $10,000 - 11,000
GEM PROOF 1857 SILVER THREE CENTS
Enlargement
182 1857. PCGS graded Proof 65 PQ. Lovely blue toning.
Only 75 minted. The 1857 is the final Proof year before the
Mint increased production in 1858 and made Proof coins
available to the public. It is estimated that close to 75
pieces were struck. The Breen Proof encyclopedia's esti-
mate (from 1977) suggests as few as 18-20 pieces are
available now to collectors. This Gem is deeply toned with
blue toning that yields every now and again to warm russet
gold and magenta hues over either side. Close inspection
with a glass shows extra sharp star borders and legends,
and incredibly sharp reverse design features where all leaf
veins are clearly seen in the little sprig above the Roman
III, while the arrow feathers and arrow heads too are so
bold it is hard to believe. Nice reflective fields on each side.
Pop 11; 1 finer in 66. (PCGS # 3704)
Estimated Value .................................... $10,000 - 11,000