Vinyard Coin Collection: United States Three Cent Piece, 1851/1873

Scope and content:

U.S. 3-Cent piece. The obverse of the coin features a six sided star with a tiny shield within it. The words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA encircle the coin. The reverse features a stylized crescent which surrounds the Roman numeral III. Like Canadian half dime, these 3 cent pieces were called "fish scales" while in circulation due to their light weight and small size. The need for a 3 cent coin arose when postage rates were lowered from 5 to three cents, but when postage rates were again lowered to 2 cents, the need for the 3 cent piece was decreasing. Coupled with the fact that it had a similar diameter to the dime, the 3 cent piece was pulled from circulation by the turn of the century. 14mm. Worn, but some text and images can still be made out. Gift of Chris Vinyard. An image is available at https://www.flickr.com/photos/scrc/5766119990/. Located in T&E S6 SS2, Box 1. Mss 1996-57.A22

Access and use

Location of collection:
College of William and Mary
Special Collections Research Center
Earl Gregg Swem Library
College of William and Mary
400 Landrum Drive
PO 8795
Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (757) 221-3090
Fax: (757) 221-5440
Parent restrictions:
Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.
Parent terms of access:
Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.