1872 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
$7,619 MS66 02-01-2005 Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1872 Nickel Three Cent Piece is a cent from the Philadelphia Mint, belonging to the Nickel Three Cent Pieces 1865-1889 series. With a mintage of 862,000, this is a less common issue — 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. Mintages began declining from the millions to the hundreds of thousands as postal rates changed and the denomination lost utility. Philadelphia's mint — the nation's first — has produced coins without interruption since its founding in 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $26 to $344 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 #3738.
External References
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