Nickel Three Cent Pieces 1865-1889

About This Series

Introduced during the Civil War's devastating impact on the monetary system, the Nickel Three Cent Piece was authorized by the Act of March 3, 1865, to replace the silver trime hoarded out of circulation alongside virtually all precious-metal coinage. James B. Longacre designed the Liberty Head obverse — a youthful profile with a coronet inscribed LIBERTY — paired with a Roman numeral III reverse surrounded by a laurel wreath. Struck in 75% copper and 25% nickel, the base-metal composition ensured circulation rather than hoarding. The denomination's purpose — facilitating three-cent stamp purchases — became obsolete as postal rates changed, and mintages declined through the 1870s and 1880s. By the final years, proof production exceeded business-strike mintages, creating the unusual situation where proofs from 1883-1887 are more available than circulation strikes. The 1877 and 1878 proof-only issues are particularly notable, with fewer than 1,000 pieces each. The series was discontinued in 1889 as part of a broader consolidation of redundant denominations.

Series Information