The 1869 over 8 (or 9) proof three-cent silver comes from a moderately low mintage for its series of 600 coins. Most were saved, leaving the issue readily available to collectors and relatively affordable. Nearly all known examples exhibit a slight repunching on the digit 9. Scarce only in gem condition. Cameo pieces are far more difficult to locate in all grades and deep cameos are a rarity. Look for attractive toners as they are abundant for this series. The majority of known 1869 proof 3-cent silver pieces are of the over-date (assumed to be a 9 over 8) variety with a so-called narrow date punch. The non-overdate variety, with wide date punch, in far scarcer.