coins \ Coin \ United States of America \ 3cS \ 3-Cent Silver \ 1866 \ Philadelphia
The 3 Cent Silver coin, produced by the United States Mint, was minted from 1851 to 1873, with the Philadelphia Mint striking the majority of these coins. The 1866 issue is notable as it was part of a series designed to facilitate transactions during the Civil War by providing a smaller denomination in silver. Composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, the coin has a distinctive small size and features a design that includes a Roman-style shield with arrows and an olive branch, symbolizing peace and strength. Collectors typically seek out well-preserved examples, as these coins are a unique representation of a historical era in American numismatics.
