1868 Nickel Three Cent Piece
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$12,219 MS67 02-01-2005 Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1868 Nickel Three Cent Piece was struck at the Philadelphia Mint as a cent in the Nickel Three Cent Pieces 1865-1889 series. The U.S. Mint produced 3.3 million examples, making this the higher-mintage of the two mint variants, representing 100% of production. The obverse features Liberty facing left with a coronet inscribed LIBERTY and the reverse displays a Roman numeral III within a wreath. Minted during Reconstruction and the Gilded Age, as the nation healed from civil war and debated the role of silver and gold in the monetary system. The Philadelphia Mint, America's oldest coin-making facility, has struck coins continuously since 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $26 to $217 depending on grade and condition. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel, weighing 1.94 grams, 17.9 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #3734.
External References
Error Varieties(3)
1868 Atypical Die Clash ADC-3C-1868-01
1868 Typical Die Clash TDC-1C-1868-01
1868 Typical Die Clash TDC-3C-1868-02
Other Strike Types in This Series
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