1888 Nickel Three Cent Piece
Base
About This Coin
The 1888 Nickel Three Cent Piece is a United States cent from the Nickel Three Cent Pieces 1865-1889 series — a late issue, 24th of 25 years in the series. In 1888, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 41,082. This ranks 11th 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. Across its variants, estimated values range from $70 to $498 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $19K in MS68 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.
