This simple design, struck in billon, along with its companion one cent piece JA1849-1/P3095 were made in 1849 to show what a three cent piece would look like sizewise. They were the idea of Representative Samuel Vinton on January 9, 1849 and were presented by mint director Robert Patterson on January 18. This piece is ex-Mickley (1867), Col Cohen (1875), H. Chapman 1/1915, Jenkins (H. Chapman 7/1922 part of lot 892), Brand (journal #122063), Armin Brand, Ford, Stacks 1976 ANA, Coin Cabinet 9/79, Remy Bourne, Michael Bourne. Michael Bourne notes a possible 2nd example offered as lot 455 in Haseltine's June 11, 1877 sale where it was described as "Planchet with "III" stamped on it". Photo courtesy of Michael Bourne.