Thought I would share this

[Elton]

Did you ever wonder why not many "Silver three Cent pieces" are found ???

This smallest of United States Silver Coins was authorized by Congress March 3, 1851

Answer: Nearly the entire production of non-proof coins from 1863 to 1872 was melted down in 1873.
Published in the Whiman Red book of coins. I know that left millions but they are small and hard to detect.

weight .75grams composition .900 silver 14 mm all coined at Philadelphia mint. So listen up when detecting and that very low whisper
thats barely audible may just be one of these elusive coins. Good luck !!!!

 

[joecoin]

Elton,

While it may be true about the melt in 1873, the total number of 3 cent silvers produced during the period 1863- 1872 was roughly 82,000. Total production prior to 1863 was 159,668,100.

Now, a lot of coins of all denominations and years were melted in 1873. I'm certain a large number of the 159,668,100 were also melted then and later.

But I believe that coin is a rare find in the ground because it's a tiny little bugger and most of them have "swum" down fairly deep into the soil


Just a thought.

joe

 

[Elton]

Sure sounds right !!!!

 

[MyNameIsMud]

Wouldn't you know it, I just found one yesterday. I remember reading this column, and thought, one in a million!!!!!!! I don't have a lot of coins but this one is near the best. I would not trade this for all of DFX Gregg's, he can have the new stuff. This site was tough, crawl and detect. This is the second coin in two years of hunting this site. I later found a large cent. This place does not give up her coin easily for sure. Pics to follow when I get a good camera.

 

[GaryL]

Per "WESTERN & EASTERN TREASURE December 1988" 1 out of 6 people stand a chance of finding a Silver 3 cent. as stated it is the smallest of any U.S. coin.

 

[Elton]

Congratulations on your 1 in 6 detectorists finds...........How did it read..i have never found one !!!

 

[Mr. Beard]

[quote Elton]Did you ever wonder why not many "Silver three Cent pieces" are found ???

This smallest of United States Silver Coins was authorized by Congress March 3, 1851

Answer: Nearly the entire production of non-proof coins from 1863 to 1872 was melted down in 1873.
Published in the Whiman Red book of coins. I know that left millions but they are small and hard to detect.

weight .75grams composition .900 silver 14 mm all coined at Philadelphia mint. So listen up when detecting and that very low whisper
thats barely audible may just be one of these elusive coins. Good luck !!!![/quote]

I'm sure that in the silver boom of the late 70's early 80's lots more were melted also. With silver at over 40 dollars an ounze, there were semi-key dates worth more as scrap, than numismatically at the time.Even common uncirculated silver coins were being melted down.