1869 Nickel Three Cent Piece
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$7,044 MS66 02-01-2005 Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1869 Nickel Three Cent Piece is a cent produced at the Philadelphia Mint as part of the Nickel Three Cent Pieces 1865-1889 series. The U.S. Mint produced 1.6 million examples, making this the higher-mintage of the two mint variants, representing 100% of production. The obverse features Liberty facing left with a coronet inscribed LIBERTY and the reverse displays a Roman numeral III within a wreath. Minted during Reconstruction and the Gilded Age, as the nation healed from civil war and debated the role of silver and gold in the monetary system. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $26 to $225 depending on grade and condition. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel, weighing 1.94 grams, 17.9 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #3735.
