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1888 Nickel Three Cent Piece

Strike Type
1888 Nickel Three Cent Piece

Coin Details

Year
1888
Denomination
Three Cent
Mint Mark
P
Strike Type
Regular Strike
Series
Nickel Three Cent Pieces 1865-1889
Designer
James Barton Longacre
Mintage
36,500
Composition
75% Copper, 25% Nickel
Weight
1.94g
Diameter
17.9mm
Edge
Plain

Value Estimates

$70 - $498

Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-67). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.

Auction Record

$19,200 MS68 05-12-2024 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1888 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 36,500, this is a scarce issue. 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. Cataloged as PCGS #3757. The Nickel Three-Cent Piece was introduced in 1865 during the Civil War coin shortage, joining the copper-nickel denomination alongside the Shield Nickel. Business-strike mintages declined sharply after the mid-1870s, making later dates scarce. Proof-only years exist at the end of the series.

External References

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