Three Cent Nickel
(1865 – 1889)
The Three Cent Nickel was introduced in 1865, right at the tail end of the Civil War, as part of the government’s push to restore a reliable small-denomination coin supply after widespread hoarding had made everyday transactions difficult. Designed by James B. Longacre, the Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, the coin featured a simple yet classic design: a Roman-style Liberty head on the obverse and the Roman numeral “III” within a laurel wreath on the reverse. Struck in copper-nickel, it was produced from 1865 to 1889, overlapping for a few years with the older Three Cent Silver, which was discontinued in 1873.
While the Three Cent Nickel was intended for circulation, especially for things like postage (which had cost three cents at the time), it never fully caught on with the general public. The odd denomination and the rise of more convenient coinage led to its slow fade. Interestingly, even though it wasn’t widely used, many people held onto them—especially collectors—so higher-grade examples are more common than you’d expect for a 19th-century coin. That said, some dates—particularly early years like 1865 and 1866—can bring a premium, especially in uncirculated or proof condition. Today, the Three Cent Nickel stands out as a unique transitional coin: not quite mainstream, but packed with historical context and collector appeal.
Valuation Chart
Year | Mint Mark | Mintage | Value (Estimate) |
|---|---|---|---|
1865 | None | 3,105,000 | $40–$400 |
1866 | None | 3,310,000 | $25–$300 |
1867 | None | 3,150,000 | $20–$200 |
1868 | None | 2,400,000 | $18–$150 |
1869 | None | 1,250,000 | $20–$175 |
1870 | None | 1,900,000 | $25–$225 |
1871 | None | 1,100,000 | $30–$275 |
1872 | None | 1,300,000 | $35–$300 |
1873 | None | 1,400,000 | $40–$350 |
1874 | None | 1,000,000 | $35–$275 |
1875 | None | 1,500,000 | $25–$250 |
1876 | None | 1,000,000 | $45–$350 |
1877 | None | 1,000,000 | $45–$450 |
1878 | None | 1,000,000 | $35–$300 |
1879 | None | 800,000 | $35–$275 |
1880 | None | 800,000 | $25–$240 |
1881 | None | 800,000 | $20–$225 |
1882 | None | 800,000 | $25–$250 |
1883 | None | 800,000 | $25–$250 |
1884 | None | 600,000 | $30–$240 |
1885 | None | 500,000 | $35–$350 |
1886 | None | 400,000 | $40–$355 |
1887 | None | 500,000 | $35–$300 |
1888 | None | 500,000 | $30–$275 |
1889 | None | 250,000 | $70–$590 |
Notable Key Dates, Errors, and Varieties
1865 – The first year of issue, and one of the most valuable. It’s rare to find in higher grades, making it one of the top collector’s pieces.
1873 – A rarer year, the 1873 coin is harder to find, and it’s one of the more sought-after years for collectors.
Repunched mint mark – Some Three-Cent Nickels, particularly from 1865 and 1876, have a repunched mint mark, which can increase the coin’s value.
Die Cracks – Some examples, especially from the 1870s, show die cracks on the obverse and reverse. These can make a coin more interesting to collectors and can boost its value.
1865 Double Die Obverse – One of the most notable varieties, this year has the E PLURIBUS UNUM motto doubled. A rare find, and much more valuable than standard examples.
1877 Double Die Reverse – Look out for the double die reverse found on some 1877 coins, especially around the “C” in “CENT”. This variety is rare and highly collectible.
Historical Context by Year
1865 – The first year of production. Post-Civil War America is seeing growth, and the Mint introduces the Three-Cent Nickel to address coin shortages.
1866 – The economy continues recovering, but the Three-Cent Nickel still struggles to gain widespread use. The coin’s production remains steady.
1867 – The coin still isn’t popular, and it doesn’t see much circulation. It’s mostly collected or hoarded by the public.
1868 – Despite efforts to make the coin widely accepted, it’s not used frequently. The country continues to stabilize economically.
1869 – The popularity of the Three-Cent Nickel is waning, and it isn’t as widely used as it was hoped to be.
1870 – As America continues rebuilding, smaller coins like the Three-Cent Nickel are still in production but aren’t used much in everyday transactions.
1871 – The coin is still in circulation, but it’s clear that its purpose has been outgrown. It’s seen as unnecessary by the public.
1872 – With other denominations gaining in popularity, the Three-Cent Nickel continues to be produced but is becoming a rarity in commerce.
1873 – A significant year for low mintage; the Three-Cent Nickel continues to be produced in limited numbers.
1874 – The coin is on its way out as the country looks to adjust its currency to meet the demands of a growing economy.
1875 – The coin becomes less common, especially after the Centennial celebrations in 1876.
1876 – 1889 – As the coin’s production continues to dwindle, it falls out of favor with the public.
