Little Three Cent Silvers, also known as “Trimes,” claim the title as the smallest silver coins ever issued by Uncle Sam, Today they are remembered by numismatists and collectors for how the 3-cent silver coin played an important role in the nation’s monetary system in the 1850s and early days of the Civil War. Oddly enough, silver threes were born of the enormous influx of gold from California and the nation’s postal stamp price changing to three cents. Until the Nevada Silver Rush took hold, silver pieces were hoarded as silver prices rose in relation to larger metal denomination money, causing a profit motive to spend gold and hoard silver. Brilliant Mint State Three Cent Silvers are exceptionally beautiful, tiny gems that were issued in three types: Type 1 (1851-1853), Type 2 (1854-1858) and Type 3 (1859-1873).