1872 United States 3 Cent Value

Depending on how well it survived, a 1872 United States 3 Cent brings anywhere from its melt value to well into four figures. Exceptional, certified pieces regularly exceed the top of that range.

Public domain image (struck or printed before 1926). Click to enlarge.

1872 United States 3 Cent value by grade

1872 United States 3 Cent value by grade
GradeEstimated value

Estimated retail range. Estimates are modeled from mintage rarity and metal content, not auction records. Actual sale prices vary with certification, eye appeal and market timing.

What is a 1872 United States 3 Cent worth right now?

The market for the 1872 United States 3 Cent is driven by condition above all.

1872 United States 3 Cent specifications

Series
United States Coinage
Year
1872
Mint mark
None (Philadelphia)
Mintage
Not recorded
Composition
Silver

Why this coin has no mint mark

The 1872 United States 3 Cent comes from Philadelphia, which struck coins without a mint mark. If the spot where branch-mint coins show a letter is empty on your 1872, that is exactly as it should be.

Why the 1872 United States 3 Cent is worth money

For the 1872 United States 3 Cent, surviving examples tell the story that mint records do not. Museum-documented specimens define the issue for collectors.

There is history in a 1872 United States Coinage as well. Documented United States coin types preserved in museum collections, with measured specifications for each date, denomination and mint. That backdrop keeps the series among the most actively collected in American numismatics.

1872 United States 3 Cent inscriptions & design

Obverse

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / (date)

Shield within six pointed star

Reverse

C / III

Value surrounded by 13 stars

Measured 1872 United States 3 Cent specimens

2 physically measured 1872 United States 3 Cent examples in our reference database. Real measured weights and die axes let you authenticate a coin against the g, mm minting standard.

Measured 1872 United States 3 Cent specimens
SpecimenWeightDiameterDie axisReferences
1872 United States 3 Cent #1---Breen.2963
1872 United States 3 Cent #2---Breen.2427

Specifications compiled from documented museum specimens. See our data & methodology page.