The Three Cent Piece, introduced in 1851, served as a response to the need for a coinage medium suitable for postal rates that required a fraction of a dollar. Originally made of silver and later nickel, it played a crucial role in facilitating transactions involving small amounts, such as postage payments and purchases of low-cost items.
Why it Ended
The Three Cent Piece was discontinued after 1889 due to declining demand and changes in postage rates that rendered its original purpose less critical. As postal rates and economic conditions evolved, the need for a dedicated three-cent coin diminished, leading to its gradual phase-out from circulation.
Why it Started
The Three Cent Piece, introduced in 1851, served as a response to the need for a coinage medium suitable for postal rates that required a fraction of a dollar. Originally made of silver and later nickel, it played a crucial role in facilitating transactions involving small amounts, such as postage payments and purchases of low-cost items.
| Years | Species | Front | Back | Evolve |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1851–1873 | Silver | |||
| 1865–1889 | Nickel |