1869/'8' 3CS MS63 Certification #26438787, PCGS #3689

Expert Comments

Ron Guth

Like many of the late date Three-Cent Silvers, the 1869 has a tiny mintage and it is rare in all grades.  Proof examples are easier to locate, so some collectors, especially date collectors, will accept a Proof as a substitute for the rare Mint State example.  However, purists stick with the true Uncirculated examples, placing extra price pressure upon them. 

In terms of rarity, the 1869 correlates closely to the 1867, which has a similar mintage and survival rates.  In fact, the listings in the PCGS Population Report, at least in Mint State, track each other almost identically.

The typical 1869 Three Cent Silver is usually well struck and will come either frosty or Prooflike.  The finest examples certified by PCGS include four MS66s and none finer.

PCGS #
3689
Designer
James Barton Longacre
Edge
Plain
Diameter
14.30 millimeters
Weight
0.75 grams
Mintage
4500
Metal
90% Silver, 10% Copper
Pop Higher
43
Pop Lower
47
Region
The United States of America
Price Guide
PCGS Population
Auctions - PCGS Graded
Auctions - NGC Graded

Rarity and Survival Estimates Learn More

Grades
65 or Better 300 R-6.4 4 / 16 TIE 4 / 25 TIE
All Grades 85 R-8.1 5 / 16 5 / 25
60 or Better 20 R-9.1 5 / 16 5 / 25
65 or Better 300
All Grades 85
60 or Better 20
65 or Better R-6.4
All Grades R-8.1
60 or Better R-9.1
65 or Better 4 / 16 TIE
All Grades 5 / 16
60 or Better 5 / 16
65 or Better 4 / 25 TIE
All Grades 5 / 25
60 or Better 5 / 25

Condition Census Learn More

Pos Grade Thumbnail Pedigree and History
1 MS68 PCGS grade
2 MS67 PCGS grade
3 MS66 PCGS grade MS66 PCGS grade
3 MS66 PCGS grade

Pinnacle Rarities, sold privately in 8/2004 - Eugene H. Gardner Collection - Heritage 6/2014:30118

3 MS66 PCGS grade
#1 MS68 PCGS grade
#2 MS67 PCGS grade
MS66 PCGS grade #3 MS66 PCGS grade
#3 MS66 PCGS grade

Pinnacle Rarities, sold privately in 8/2004 - Eugene H. Gardner Collection - Heritage 6/2014:30118

#3 MS66 PCGS grade