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1872 Nickel Three Cent Piece

Strike Type
1872 Nickel Three Cent Piece

Coin Details

Year
1872
Denomination
Three Cent
Mint Mark
P
Strike Type
Regular Strike
Series
Nickel Three Cent Pieces 1865-1889
Designer
James Barton Longacre
Mintage
862,000
Composition
75% Copper, 25% Nickel
Weight
1.94g
Diameter
17.9mm
Edge
Plain

Value Estimates

$26 - $344

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

$7,619 MS66 02-01-2005 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1872 Nickel Three Cent Piece is a cent produced at the Philadelphia Mint as part of the Nickel Three Cent Pieces 1865-1889 series. With a mintage of 862,000, this is a less common issue — 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. Mintages began declining from the millions to the hundreds of thousands as postal rates changed and the denomination lost utility. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $26 to $344 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 #3738.

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