View All 1888 Nickel Three Cent Piece

1888 Proof Nickel Three Cent Piece

Strike Type
1888 (P) Three Cent coin

Coin Details

Year
1888
Denomination
Three Cent
Mint Mark
P
Strike Type
Proof
Series
Nickel Three Cent Pieces 1865-1889
Designer
James Barton Longacre
Mintage
4,582
Composition
75% Copper, 25% Nickel
Weight
1.94g
Diameter
17.9mm
Edge
Plain

Value Estimates

$407

Value as of May 2026, from the one price recorded for this coin. Actual sales can differ. Compare recent sales of similar coins for a closer estimate.

Auction Record

Price realized
$13,200
Sold
Grade
PR68
Auction house
Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1888 Proof Nickel Three Cent Piece is a proof three-cent nickel piece struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Nickel Three Cent Pieces 1865-1889 series. The Philadelphia Mint struck 4,582 proof three-cent nickel pieces dated 1888. 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. As a proof issue, this coin was struck multiple times on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies, producing mirror-like fields and frosted design elements. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel, weighing 1.94 grams, 17.9 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #3785.

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