• Genuine 150+ Year Old Coins: Each coin is an authentic circulated piece of history, with dates randomly selected—perfect for collectors and history lovers alike.

• America’s Forgotten Denomination: The only U.S. three-cent coins ever minted—rare survivors of a unique experiment in 19th-century coinage.

• Civil War & Postage History: Originally used to pay for 3-cent stamps and created to combat coin shortages during the Civil War.

The Three Cent Silver & Three Cent Nickel – 2-Piece Collection offers a fascinating journey into a little-known chapter of American coinage. These are the only three-cent coins ever minted in U.S. history, making them remarkable artifacts of a bygone era. Together, they tell the story of a nation adapting to economic challenges and changing times.

The three-cent denomination came about out of necessity. The Three Cent Silver, or "trime," was introduced in 1851 as a practical solution when a postage stamp cost exactly 3 cents. Made of 75% silver, it was a small but vital coin in everyday transactions. Later, during the Civil War, the Three Cent Nickel was created in 1865 to combat widespread coin shortages, struck in a copper-nickel alloy to stretch the nation’s metal resources. Despite their usefulness, both coins were short-lived and soon vanished from circulation, deemed impractical and unpopular.

What makes this collection truly special is its rarity and historical significance. Both coins were discontinued by the late 19th century, and many were melted down over time, making survivors increasingly scarce. Holding these coins is like holding a time capsule—tangible relics of a forgotten piece of America’s numismatic past.

Each coin in this set is over 150 years old and comes in circulated condition, with dates randomly selected. This duo is a compelling addition for any collector or history enthusiast eager to own a piece of U.S. coinage history that once jingled in the pockets of 19th-century Americans.