Both obverse and reverse dies are the same design used for regular-issue coinage in 1865. Struck in copper with a plain edge.

The issue was allegedly struck to test the dies that were used for regular coinage in 1865. USPatterns.com believes that the issue was created to be sold as part of the off-metal pattern sets that were so popular with collectors. Experts estimate that fewer than a dozen specimens are extant.

A lintmark near the date provides a pedigree marker. NGC Census: One in PR65 Red and Brown, the finest of the three pieces certified by this service. PCGS Population: Four coins total, the finest of which is a PR65 Brown (12/08).

PR65 $9,200.00 (Jan 6, 2009 HA.com)

This three cent "silver" pattern uses the regular dies for the year 1871, but is struck in aluminum instead, with a plain edge.

Both the Judd print reference and the USPatterns.com online resource rank this pattern issue at R.8, with the website adding that only two or three pieces are believed to exist and opining that although it is called a die trial issue, the coins may instead have been deliberately struck for sale to collectors. Many, perhaps most, of the 1869-71 issues would certainly fall under that same umbrella, as the U.S. Mint during this time was the largest coin dealer in the United States--unofficially. It had several hundred different pattern varieties on hand (or able to be struck) for well-connected collectors and dealers and Mint officials (and there was not always a clear delineation between them).

PR64 $18,400.00 (Jan 6, 2009 HA.com)

From regular issue dies, but struck in copper with a plain edge. A very small number of 1867 copper denomination sets were produced, either for presentation purposes or for unrecorded sale to well-connected numismatists.

PR64 $14,950.00 (Jan 10, 2008 HA.com)

A dies trial piece from regular dies; struck in copper with a plain edge.

PR64 Brown $4,887.50 (Mar 2, 2006 HA.com)

Although described in the literature as "regular dies trial pieces," these are actually restrikes made in the early 1870s and sold as part of complete off-metal sets with the silver coinage of this year containing quarter, half dollar, and dollar which had the reverses of 1866 with the motto IN GOD WE TRUST above the eagle. These three cent dies were made from a hub which had the D in UNITED broken and may be a backdated novodel. Struck in aluminum with a plain edge.

PR66 Deep Cameo $9,775.00 (Jun 2, 2005 HA.com)

Regular die trials striking, produced in aluminum with a plain edge.

PR65 Cameo $7,762.50 (Jun 2, 2005 HA.com)

Regular die trials issue of the Three Cent Silver, but struck in nickel with a plain edge. This is an extremely rare pattern with only 2-3 pieces believed known.

PR64 $20,700.00 (Sep 27, 2002 HA.com)