1885 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
$38,400 MS65 05-12-2024 Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1885 Nickel Three Cent Piece was struck at the Philadelphia Mint as a cent in the Nickel Three Cent Pieces 1865-1889 series. With a mintage of 1,000, this is an extremely rare issue — the lower-mintage of the two mint variants. The obverse features Liberty facing left with a coronet inscribed LIBERTY and the reverse displays a Roman numeral III within a wreath. Proof-only production year. Mintage limited to approximately 3,790 proof specimens for collectors. Philadelphia's mint — the nation's first — has produced coins without interruption since its founding in 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $1.1K to $7.8K 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 #3753.
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