Cool coin added in the summer

Recently added the 1862/1 3 cent silver variety to my Somerville Set. Three Cent Silvers are a great 19th century set to collect as they were only produced from 1851 to 1873. The set features 3 Varieties, "1851-53, No outline to Star", "1854-58 Three Outlines to Star", and "1859-73 Two outlines to Star". The only mintmark in the series is the 1851-O. and the referenced coin in this post the only major variety for the series. What's interesting about this coin is that the variety can be easily ID'd by a die crack extending from the "1" in the date to the rim. This particular coin also exhibits nice circular crescent toning in golden brown, blueish hues. Additionally, great die clashing on both the obverse and reverse. With such a tiny coin, die clashing very common for the set.

The underlying 1 is viewable with 7X magnification ( at least to my eyes), (I cant pick it up with 4X). Also, if you are reading this post and noticed a point change with the addition of the variety to the set ( it was previously display only) , "You're Welcome". If you state your case to NGC, ie , research the pop reports for both PCGS and NGC, explain significance of the variety, etc they may adjust their thinking. This coin , being the only major variety for the set is highly desired and collected as part of the set by trime specialists, indeed most of the collections above me had the coin in their sets and in a better grade than my 63. That being said I searched for 3 years for the "right" coin and think its PQ for the grade , CAC also green stickered for what that's worth.

Finally, many collectors only go after the dates up to and including 1862 in MS, and the remaining dates in Proof, as UNC mintages dropped like a rock after this date ( reference the red book for mintages). Amazing to me how many collectors are going after these dates in UNC to complete this set. I am only going to complete to 1862 and then may go Proof on the others, or at least get 1 proof for "closure". David Bowers in his 2005 US Type Set Red Book wrote " After 1862 Mint State coins are rare for most dates. I have never seen a full set of mint state pieces". Clearly this has changed and Registry collecting certainly a catalyst for this "new collecting".

Not posting the pic as it is not very good, but if curious you can take a peek under my set's listing.

Cheers !

Rich

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