The US 1856 Three Cent coin, designed by James B. Longacre, features a shield with a star on the obverse and a Roman numeral III on the reverse. In 1856, the U.S. economy faced inflation due to the Civil War, leading to a need for small-denomination coins. The US 1856 Three Cent was created to address this shortage, serving as an essential low-value coin.
Struck in silver, the US 1856 Three Cent reflected the U.S. decision to use silver for small denominations during economic instability. Longacre’s design aimed to create a practical coin while embodying national resilience. The US 1856 Three Cent thus became a symbol of both necessity and adaptation during a pivotal moment in U.S. history.