1869/'8' 3cS Narrow Date PR CAM

The 1869 over 8 (or 9) proof three-cent silver comes from a moderately low mintage for its series of 600 coins. Most were saved, leaving the issue readily available to collectors and relatively affordable. Nearly all known examples exhibit a slight repunching on the digit 9. Scarce only in gem condition. Cameo pieces are far more difficult to locate in all grades and deep cameos are a rarity. Look for attractive toners as they are abundant for this series. The majority of known 1869 proof 3-cent silver pieces are of the over-date (assumed to be a 9 over 8) variety with a so-called narrow date punch. The non-overdate variety, with wide date punch, in far scarcer.

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.

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.