The 1861 Proof Three Cent Silver is a popular Civil War date in the series with a mintage of 1,000 coins. It is more common up through PR64 but gains some scarcity in PR65. PR66 and finer gems are considered very rare as there are significant increases in value following PR65. Cameo pieces are far more difficult to locate in all grades. Look for attractive toners as there are many in this series.
| coinage-type | Three cent silver |
| desg | PR |
| designer | James B. Longacre |
| diameter | 14 |
| edge | Plain |
| fineness | 0.9 |
| material | 0.9 silver; 0.1 copper |
| mintage | 1,000 |
| ngc-id | 27C8 |
| obverse-description | A six-pointed star with a harp in the center is surrounded by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA on the periphery and the date positioned at the bottom. For the type III issues (1859-73) there is a single frame line around the star. |
| pcgs-link | 3710 |
| pcgs-number | 3710 |
| reverse-description | The roman numeral III is centered in the design ensconced in a large, bejeweled letter C surrounded by 13 stars on the periphery. An olive sprig is added above the roman numerals. |
| weight-grams | 0.75 |
| weight-ounces | 0.02646 |
| year-display | 1859-1873 |