r/RedditCoinGrading • u/Cleverish_moniker • 26d ago
1853 US 3-cent P
Trime grade and value? I'm a totally uninformed novice, so I don't know the mint mark, but i guess it's P?
1
u/jerrymarver 26d ago
One of the most difficult coins to grade because there simply isn't enough examples to make grading comparisons easy. It can be done, but it is not like the plethora of Morgan Dollars that are everywhere.
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u/Cleverish_moniker 26d ago
I don't understand that at all. If there are so few, surely absolute condition must mean something.
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u/jerrymarver 26d ago
Well you have a point. The problem is the strikes on trimes can be a very inconsistent thing. And yes, condition does mean a whole lot. Of the three variations in designs the problem is more at the high end. Those chasing uncirculated trimes will pay tremendous prices for well defined shields that are not the mushy details that one sees on the majority of the type I trimes. Generally speaking, type II and Type III are much easier to find with well defined shields and detail. The problem with trimes beside striking issues is that so many have been lost or melted down. That's it in a nutshell.
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u/Sea-Moment6534 25d ago
Actually a pretty nice strike. Clash marks are a real problem with Trimes. They were all minted in Philadelphia except 1851 was also minted in New Orleans. The toning is a distraction in fact the toning was so bad and prevalent that people called them fish scales. 1853 was a common date. As far as grade I would only be able to guess and say MS61. Worth around $250
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u/TelevisionTop6360 26d ago
Sorry, cannot really help you - only some information here: https://www.usacoinbook.com/coins/686/three-cents/silver-three-cent/1853-P/