View All 1873 Nickel Three Cent Piece

1873 Proof Nickel Three Cent Piece - Closed 3

Strike Type
1873 (P) Three Cent coin

Coin Details

Year
1873
Denomination
Three Cent
Mint Mark
P
Strike Type
Proof
Series
Nickel Three Cent Pieces 1865-1889
Designer
James Barton Longacre
Mintage
1,100
Composition
75% Copper, 25% Nickel
Weight
1.94g
Diameter
17.9mm
Edge
Plain

Value Estimates

$407 - $407

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

$7,050 PR67 09-25-2013 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1873 Proof Nickel Three Cent Piece - Closed 3 is a proof cent struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Nickel Three Cent Pieces 1865-1889 series. With a mintage of 1,100, this is an extremely rare issue — the lowest mintage among 3 mint variants, representing only less than 1% of total 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. 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 prized by collectors. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Estimated market value is approximately $407. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel, weighing 1.94 grams, 17.9 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #3769.

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