1886 Nickel Three Cent Piece

About This Coin

The 1886 Nickel Three Cent Piece is a United States cent from the Nickel Three Cent Pieces 1865-1889 series. The obverse features Liberty facing left with a coronet inscribed LIBERTY, while the reverse displays a Roman numeral III within a wreath. Designed by James Barton Longacre. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel, weighing 1.94 grams, 17.9 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Produced at the Philadelphia Mint. The Nickel Three-Cent Piece was introduced in 1865 during the Civil War coin shortage, joining the copper-nickel denomination alongside the Shield Nickel. It circulated until 1889 when it was discontinued along with the gold dollar and three-dollar gold piece. Business-strike mintages declined sharply after the mid-1870s, making later dates scarce. Proof-only years exist at the end of the series.