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
Part of the Nickel Three Cent Pieces 1865-1889 series, the 1869 Nickel Three Cent Piece is a cent from the Philadelphia Mint. 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. Philadelphia's mint — the nation's first — has produced coins without interruption since its founding in 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.
External References
Error Varieties(2)
1869 Atypical Die Clash ADC-3C-1869-01
1869 Typical Die Clash TDC-3C-1869-01
Other Strike Types in This Series
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