1887 Nickel Three Cent Piece
Base
About This Coin
The 1887 Nickel Three Cent Piece is a United States cent from the Nickel Three Cent Pieces 1865-1889 series — a late issue, 23rd of 25 years in the series. In 1887, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 7,960. This ranks 6th of 25 years by total mintage, below the series median of 163,150. The obverse features Liberty facing left with a coronet inscribed LIBERTY and the reverse displays a Roman numeral III within a wreath. Struck during the Gilded Age of rapid industrialization and the great silver debates, when monetary policy shaped elections and economic destiny. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel, weighing 1.94 grams, 17.9 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Produced 10 years after the celebrated 1877 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $249 to $6.0K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $13K in MS67 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by James Barton Longacre.
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — range across all strike types, reflecting typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
