1862/1 3CS MS66 Certification #04571342, PCGS #3681

CAC 1862/1 3CS MS66 PCGS. The underdigit on this piece is a bit fainter than usually seen, most likely because of the vigorous die polishing seen in the fields on each side. Brilliant throughout, the fields shimmer with semi-prooflikeness and there are no reportable abrasions on either side. A terrific type coin with immense eye appeal.

Ron Guth

The 1862/1 Three-Cent Silver is a popular variety that collectors have known about since 1963, when it was discovered by John Cobb (according to Walter Breen).  The overdate itself is weak and appears mainly as a burr extending downward from the bottom of the 2 on the left side.  A more noticeable diagnostic is a die break that runs through the 1 of the date, connecting the left side of the star point with the rim.

In terms of rarity, the 1862/1 Three-Cent Silver is roughly three times as scarce as the "normal" 1862, but the overdate commands only a small premium except in the highest grades.  Because collectors have known about the variety for such a long time, numerous Mint State examples have been discovered.  The most frequently seen Mint State grade is, surprisingly, MS-65.  The finest 1862/1 Three-Cent Silvers are a dozen MS-67's certified by PCGS as of December 2011.  No Proof Overdates have been seen.

Most 1862/1 Three-Cent Silvers exhibit a strong strike, and some examples show evidence of die clashing (mostly on the reverse, where lines of the shield can be seen around the bottoms of the Roman numeral III).