U.S. Three-Cent Nickel Coins
(1865 - 1889)
The Three-Cent Nickel was produced from 1865 through 1889 as a replacement for the earlier silver three-cent piece. Introduced during the Civil War era when silver coins were disappearing from circulation, the new nickel-based coin offered a more practical, lower-cost alternative. The obverse features a left-facing portrait of Liberty, while the reverse displays a large Roman numeral “III” encircled by a wreath.
These coins were composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel — the same alloy used for early Shield Nickels. Although intended for everyday commerce, demand declined as other small-denomination coins became more practical, and mintages dropped sharply in the 1880s. The final year, 1889, saw very limited production.
While often overlooked, the Three-Cent Nickel represents an important transitional denomination in post–Civil War American coinage.
Check out dates & mintages for U.S. Three-Cent Coins, below.Business Strikes
1865 | 11,382,000
1866 | 4,801,000
1867 | 3,915,000
1868 | 3,252,000
1869 | 1,604,000
1870 | 1,335,000
1871 | 604,000
1872 | 862,000
1873 | 1,173,000
1874 | 790,000
1875 | 228,000
1876 | 162,000
1877 | 510
1878 | 2,350
1879 | 38,000
1880 | 21,000
1881 | 1,077,000
1882 | 22,200
1883 | 4,000
1886 | 4,290
1887 | 5,000
1888 | 36,501
1889 | 18,125
Proof Strikes
1865 Proof | 500
1866 Proof | 725
1867 Proof | 625
1868 Proof | 600
1869 Proof | 600
1870 Proof | 1,000
1871 Proof | 960
1872 Proof | 950
1873 Proof | 1,150
1874 Proof | 700
1875 Proof | 700
1876 Proof | 1,150
1877 Proof | 510
1878 Proof | 2,350
1879 Proof | 3,200
1880 Proof | 3,955
1881 Proof | 3,575
1882 Proof | 3,100
1883 Proof | 3,983
1884 Proof | 3,942
1885 Proof | 3,790
1886 Proof | 4,290
1887 Proof | 4,290
1888 Proof | 4,582
1889 Proof | 3,336
If You Collect Three-Cent Coins, Check Out The ‘US Odd Denominations’ Type Set!
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