Solitary PCGS/CAC MS68 Type 2 Trime
Type 2 with an extra doubled outline to the obverse star.
Of the three iterations of James Barton Longacre’s Three Cent Silver design, the tripled star border “Type 2” has always been known as the most difficult. The difference in upper Gem grades is even more visible, as PCGS has certified well over 100 Type 1s in MS67 and higher, and over 200 Type 3s, yet less than 30 Type 2s in the same grades. Only this 1854 and a single 1858 have qualified for a MS68 grade from PCGS, while CAC recognizes only this MS68 in their census.
The luster is clear and frosty, under toning that is unquestionably natural and original, with flecks of green, blue, violet and bright yellow on the obverse, while the reverse is slightly darker in tone and mostly iridescent. There is a slight remnant of die clashing visible on both obverse and reverse, and the strike is about as full as possible but for weakness in the two central leaves of the upper reverse sprig.
While silver three cents, half dimes, and gold dollars are often criticized as “small”, coins at this level of perfection punch well above their weight, as this is the sole PCGS/CAC certified MS68 example of the design, and it will continue to hold its place as one of the more important specimens in any set of finest known type coins.
PCGS #40276281
Provenance
Eugene H. Gardner; Heritage Auctions, June 2014, lot 30113 at $64,625 as PCGS/CAC MS68 #21907647; Bob R. Simpson; Heritage Auctions, January 2021, lot 3009 at $84,000 as PCGS/CAC MS68 #40276281; “The Black Cat Collection” by William Anderson.