Which US Coins Are Silver? A Year-by-Year Cheat Sheet
1964 and earlier dimes, quarters and halves are 90% silver. Here's every US silver coin by year, plus the look-alikes that fool people.
$3 Gold Piece Melt Value
Live · updated ET
Melt value of one $3 Gold Piece
$600.83
Face value $3.00Melt ÷ face 200.28× Pure gold 0.14511 ozGold spot $4,140.40
A $3 Gold Piece (1854–1889) weighs 5.015 grams and is made of 90% gold, 10% copper. That works out to 0.14511 troy ounces of pure gold, so at today’s spot price the metal in one coin is worth about $600.83.
$3 Gold Piece specifications
| Years | 1854–1889 |
|---|---|
| Face value | $3.00 |
| Weight | 5.015 g (0.1612 troy oz) |
| Composition | 90% gold, 10% copper |
| Diameter | 20.5 mm |
| Gold content | 4.514 g (0.14511 troy oz) · worth $600.82 |
| Copper content | 0.502 g · worth $0.0071 |
How much are $3 Gold Piece coins worth in bulk?
| Quantity | Face value | Melt value |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.00 | $600.83 |
| 5 | $15.00 | $3,004.15 |
| 10 | $30.00 | $6,008.30 |
| 20 | $60.00 | $12,016.61 |
| 100 | $300.00 | $60,083.04 |
| 1,000 | $3,000.00 | $600,830.44 |
How the $3 Gold Piece melt value has changed
| Date | Melt value then | Change to today |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month ago (Oct 9, 2026) | $611.84 | ▼ -1.80% |
| 1 year ago (Nov 9, 2025) | $581.88 | ▲ +3.26% |
| 5 years ago (Nov 9, 2021) | $265.68 | ▲ +126.15% |
| 10 years ago (Nov 9, 2016) | $159.32 | ▲ +277.11% |
Based on stored daily closing prices.
Melt value vs. what your $3 Gold Piece is worth
Melt value is the floor: the value of the metal alone. Dealers who buy coins for their metal usually pay a little below melt. Coins with a rare date, mint mark or error, or in uncirculated condition, can sell for far more than melt to collectors – check a current price guide or have the coin graded before selling anything that looks scarce.
Have several coins? Use the coin melt value calculator.
Other pre-1933 us gold coins
| Coin | Years | Metal content | Melt value | × face |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle | 1850–1907 | 0.9675 oz gold | $4,005.86 | 200.3× |
 $20 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle | 1907–1933 | 0.9675 oz gold | $4,005.86 | 200.3× |
 $10 Liberty Head Eagle | 1838–1907 | 0.4837 oz gold | $2,002.93 | 200.3× |
 $10 Indian Head Eagle | 1907–1933 | 0.4837 oz gold | $2,002.93 | 200.3× |
 $5 Liberty Head Half Eagle | 1839–1908 | 0.2419 oz gold | $1,001.46 | 200.3× |
 $5 Indian Head Half Eagle | 1908–1929 | 0.2419 oz gold | $1,001.46 | 200.3× |
 $2.50 Liberty Head Quarter Eagle | 1840–1907 | 0.1210 oz gold | $500.79 | 200.3× |
 $2.50 Indian Head Quarter Eagle | 1908–1929 | 0.1210 oz gold | $500.79 | 200.3× |
 $1 Gold Dollar | 1849–1889 | 0.0484 oz gold | $200.32 | 200.3× |
Melt value = metal content × today’s spot price. It is not what a dealer pays (usually less) or a collector’s price (often more).
Frequently asked questions
How much is a $3 Gold Piece worth in melt value today?
At today’s metal prices (November 9, 2026) one $3 Gold Piece contains about $600.83 worth of metal. This is the melt (scrap) value – rare dates and coins in top condition can sell for much more to collectors.
How much gold is in a $3 Gold Piece?
A $3 Gold Piece weighs 5.015 grams and contains 0.14511 troy ounces (4.514 grams) of pure gold.
Is a $3 Gold Piece worth more than its face value?
Right now the metal in a $3 Gold Piece is worth 200.3× its face value of $3.
Related guides
View all guides →
What Moves Gold Prices? The Dollar, Rates, Central Banks and Fear
Gold trades like money. Here's how the dollar, real rates, central banks, inflation worries and crises move its price, and what that means …
Where to Sell Silver Coins Near You (and Online)
Coin shops, online dealers, coin shows, pawn shops and marketplaces compared for selling silver coins, with scenarios and a worked example.
Melt values are estimates based on spot prices and official coin specifications. Dealers usually pay less than melt; rare coins can be worth far more to collectors.