Three Cent Nickel Values
How Much Three Cent Nickels are Worth: Three Cent Nickel Values & Coin Price Chart
Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | U-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 | MS-67 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1800 | P | Plain 4- Stemless Wreath | Red-brown | 200 | 300 | 400 | 500 | 600 | 700 | 800 | 900 | 1000 | 1200 | 1100 |
| Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | MS-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1865 | (None) Phil | -- | $27.30 | $32 | $40 | $75 | $79 | $250 | $244 | $322 | $563 | $1,431.00 | |
| 1866 | (None) Phil | -- | $26.20 | $27 | $38 | $60 | $79 | $161 | $244 | $322 | $585 | $1,453.00 | |
| 1867 | (None) Phil | -- | $27.30 | $35 | $37 | $60 | $94 | $175 | $271 | $374 | $602 | $1,535.00 | |
| 1868 | (None) Phil | -- | $26.20 | $35 | $40 | $45 | $79 | $161 | $244 | $322 | $563 | $1,271.00 | |
| 1869 | (None) Phil | -- | PL | $26.20 | $35 | $35 | $57 | $82 | $164 | $249 | $325 | $780 | $1,585.00 |
| 1870 | (None) Phil | Closed 3 | $27.30 | $33 | $35 | $57 | $82 | $164 | $252 | $322 | $572 | $1,750.00 | |
| 1871 | (None) Phil | Open 3 | $27.80 | $33 | $41 | $60 | $119 | $209 | $274 | $480 | $833 | $1,046.00 | |
| 1872 | (None) Phil | -- | $770 | $1,245.00 | $1,535.00 | $2,005.00 | $2,600.00 | $4,080.00 | $5,020.00 | $7,150.00 | $11,425.00 | $16,325.00 | |
| 1873 | (None) Phil | -- | $30 | $40 | $43 | $65 | $85 | $209 | $312 | $468 | $1,129.00 | $2,675.00 | |
| 1874 | (None) Phil | -- | $27.30 | $33 | $37 | $57 | $83 | $166 | $273 | $454 | $860 | $1,967.00 | |
| 1875 | (None) Phil | -- | $35 | $44 | $60 | $87 | $114 | $215 | $317 | $445 | $833 | $1,475.00 | |
| 1876 | (None) Phil | -- | $47 | $55 | $70 | $107 | $157 | $318 | $462 | $860 | $1,469.00 | $2,475.00 | |
| 1879 | (None) Phil | -- | $103 | $140 | $157 | $190 | $250 | $342 | $440 | $789 | $1,038.00 | $1,569.00 | |
| 1880 | (None) Phil | -- | $151 | $184 | $215 | $254 | $290 | $427 | $545 | $664 | $805 | $1,271.00 | |
| 1881 | (None) Phil | -- | $27.30 | $33 | $33 | $65 | $79 | $161 | $249 | $328 | $591 | $1,271.00 | |
| 1882 | (None) Phil | -- | $189 | $222 | $242 | $299 | $367 | $461 | $775 | $1,245.00 | $2,255.00 | $3,763.00 | |
| 1883 | (None) Phil | -- | $453 | $507 | $572 | $755 | $1,120.00 | $1,895.00 | $3,263.00 | $5,905.00 | $11,530.00 | $20,325.00 | |
| 1884 | (None) Phil | -- | $1,065.00 | $1,389.00 | $1,665.00 | $2,463.00 | $4,038.00 | $5,838.00 | $7,688.00 | $13,975.00 | $26,575.00 | $38,900.00 | |
| 1885 | (None) Phil | -- | $1,400.00 | $1,715.00 | $1,975.00 | $2,600.00 | $3,180.00 | $5,495.00 | $7,610.00 | $9,350.00 | $14,800.00 | $23,375.00 | |
| 1887 | (None) Phil | -- | $389 | $428 | $520 | $650 | $742 | $1,035.00 | $1,163.00 | $1,403.00 | $1,790.00 | $2,365.00 | |
| 1888 | (None) Phil | -- | $72 | $80 | $92 | $123 | $172 | $299 | $379 | $468 | $675 | $1,337.00 | |
| 1889 | (None) Phil | -- | $139 | $172 | $193 | $235 | $266 | $327 | $454 | $559 | $753 | $1,425.00 |
History of the Three Cent Nickel
The Three Cent Nickel was designed by Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, James B. Longacre, and was struck from 1865 to 1889. The obverse featured Lady Liberty facing left with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” around her head and the mintage date below. The reverse has the Roman numeral “III” inside a laurel wreath.
These coins saw widespread use during the U.S. Civil War, but circulation declined afterward. The Coinage Act of 1865 was signed into law by President Lincoln on March 3, 1865. This bill permitted Three Cent Nickels to be struck in copper-nickel.
A contributing factor to the Three Cent Nickel’s decline was the lowering of U.S. first-class postal rates from three cents to two cents (effective October 1, 1883, for half-ounce letters), reducing the coin’s utility for postage.
Rarest Coins in the Series
- 1865 First-Year Issue (“Launch Year”): With a high mintage of 11,382,000 coins, it is notable for being the inaugural year of the Three Cent Nickel but is relatively common.
- 1870 Closed 3 Variety (“Distinctive Date Style”): This variety shows a “closed” style of the numeral 3, making it a notable target for specialists.
- 1871 Open 3 Variety (“Open Numeric Design”): Features an “open” style 3 on the date, setting it apart from 1870 and drawing collector attention.
- 1883 Low Mintage: 1883 business-strike mintage was modest (exact figures vary), so it remains one of the scarcer late-series issues.
- 1884 Low Mintage: 1884 had a very low circulation-strike mintage compared to earlier years, making it notably scarce within the series.
- 1885 (“Rare Circulation Strike”): The 1885 business strike is among the rarest of the series, with a very low mintage and few survivors.
- 1877, 1878, 1887 Proofs (“Rare Proof Varieties”): These proof coins have low mintages and are important to collectors who focus on proof issues.
Types of Collections
- Basic Date Set: Aiming to collect one example from each year minted (1865-1889), typically in lower circulated grades. Affordable for beginners.
- Condition Set: Focusing on finding coins in the best possible grades, including Mint State coins. More advanced and costly.
Beginner vs. Advanced Collecting
Beginner Collecting
The 3 Cent Nickel series includes many dates that were minted in large quantities and remain relatively common and affordable in circulated grades, making it approachable for newer collectors. By focusing on these more available issues, new collectors can build a basic date set on a modest budget by shopping well-established online auction sites, reputable coin dealers, and larger certified coin shows. Look for coins with clear design details, minimal corrosion, and, when possible, some remaining original mint luster. Store your pieces in archival-quality holders and keep them in a stable, cool, dry environment to slow toning and surface change.
Advanced Collecting
For more advanced collectors, the 3 Cent Nickel offers opportunities to pursue higher-grade examples, scarcer dates, and notable varieties. At this level, condition becomes more critical, with close attention to sharp strikes, strong luster, and problem-free surfaces. Certified holders from established grading services such as NGC or PCGS can help confirm authenticity, provide market-recognized grades, and protect the coins. As with other nickel and copper-nickel coinage, careful storage in temperature- and humidity-controlled settings helps limit unwanted tarnish and maintain long-term eye appeal.
Investment Potential
Collectors value rare Three Cent Nickels for their scarcity and historical significance, which can support long-term price stability. Coins are often sold with certification from grading services such as NGC or PCGS, which helps maintain value. While common dates remain affordable, premium-grade coins continue to grow in value.