The 1869/8 Three-Cent Silver, known colloquially as the “Trime,” is a late-series overdate that bridges the twilight of silver fractional coinage with the precision of postwar minting. Struck during the final decade of the denomination’s existence, this issue features a subtle but unmistakable 8 beneath the 9 in the date—a remnant of die reuse that adds complexity to an already scarce coin. With a mintage of just 4,500 pieces and few survivors in mint state, the 1869/8 stands as one of the most elusive and technically intriguing entries in the series.

This particular example, certified PCGS MS67 and CAC approved, is among the finest known. The surfaces are frosty and original, with sharply defined radial lines in the star and full separation in the Roman numeral III on the reverse. The overdate is crisp and well-centered, offering textbook clarity for specialists and variety hunters alike. The coin’s preservation is exceptional, with no distracting marks and a silvery patina that enhances its architectural symmetry.

The coin’s inclusion in the Jon Lerner Collection affirms its elite status. Known for assembling coins with both technical excellence and historical nuance, Lerner’s cabinet prioritizes varieties that reward close study. The 1869/8 Trime is a perfect fit—an issue that combines low mintage, die variety, and late-series refinement. Its survival in this condition is not just improbable—it’s numismatically profound.

Auction records for MS67 examples are sparse, and CAC approval further narrows the field to coins with unimpeachable originality. This specimen’s strike quality and visual harmony make it a reference piece for both the series and the overdate subtype. It is a coin that commands attention not through flash, but through precision—an artifact of quiet rarity and technical mastery. The overdate itself is a subtle fingerprint of Mint economy, revealing how dies were repurposed in an era of shrinking demand. Its presence adds a layer of narrative depth, transforming a small denomination into a study in postwar minting practice. Even the coin’s compact scale invites intimacy—its details demand close inspection, rewarding patience with architectural clarity.

The Three-Cent Silver series is often overshadowed by its nickel successor, but its design and metallurgy reflect a transitional moment in American coinage. The six-pointed star, shield, and Roman numerals evoke classical motifs, while the small planchet and delicate relief demand careful handling and die control. The 1869/8, struck near the end of the series, encapsulates that tension—between tradition and obsolescence, artistry and economy.

This 1869/8 Three-Cent Silver, PCGS MS67 CAC, is not just a high-grade survivor—it is a study in restraint, rarity, and refinement. For collectors and historians alike, it offers a glimpse into the Mint’s final years of silver fractional coinage, where even the smallest denomination carried architectural ambition and die variety intrigue.