Skip to product information
1 of 4

1865 3CN MS63 PCGS CAC

1865 3CN MS63 PCGS CAC

PCGS

Regular price $0.00
Regular price Sale price $0.00
Sale SOLD
Free Shipping

1865 Three-Cent Nickel: A Historic First-Year Issue
The 1865 Three-Cent Nickel marks a significant milestone in U.S. numismatics as the inaugural year for a new coin type and metal composition. Struck by the Philadelphia Mint, its production exceeded 11 million coins—a mintage level not witnessed since 1853 when a nearly identical number of Three-Cent Silver pieces were issued. While the Three-Cent Nickel eventually replaced its silver counterpart, both coin types were minted concurrently until 1873, when the Three-Cent Silver was discontinued.
* Mintage: 11,382,000
* Estimated Survivors: 50,000
* Percentage Remaining: ~0.439%
Design Overview
Obverse (Front):
1. Coloration:
    * Displays a uniform silver-gold metallic tone reflective of the nickel alloy composition.
    * Raised elements, including the portrait of Liberty, the date "1865," and surrounding text, feature brighter highlights due to their polished surfaces.
    * Recessed areas, such as the background behind Liberty, show darker tones, adding depth and contrast.
2. Texture:
    * Raised elements (portrait and lettering) exhibit a smooth, slightly reflective finish.
    * Background areas have a fine-grained matte texture, creating a striking contrast against the polished raised details.
Reverse (Back):
1. Coloration:
    * Retains the silver-gold hue consistent with the obverse.
    * The central Roman numeral "III" and the surrounding laurel wreath stand out with brighter highlights, emphasizing their raised designs.
    * Subtle shadowing in the recessed fields enhances the design's intricacy.
2. Texture:
    * The raised Roman numeral "III" and the laurel wreath are smooth and polished, while the recessed background features a fine matte texture for contrast.
    * The coin's edge is reeded, adding a tactile and visual element to its craftsmanship.
Both sides of the coin showcase intricate details that highlight the technical and artistic proficiency of the Philadelphia Mint during this era.

The Three-Cent Nickel was introduced during the Civil War to replace the hoarded silver version, whose intrinsic value far exceeded its face value. Designed for practicality, the new coin leveraged a nickel alloy that made it less susceptible to hoarding. While its mintage in 1865 was robust, annual production decreased significantly after 1871, with most subsequent years yielding fewer than one million coins. Notably, a production spike occurred in 1881, but the series concluded with the final issue in 1889.

The 1865 Three-Cent Nickel holds special significance as the first year of its series and boasts the highest mintage. Its debut-year status makes it a favorite among type and date collectors alike.

The present specimen, a Superb Gem with CAC approval (POP: 28/106), represents one of the finest certified examples of this iconic issue. It is brilliantly preserved with gleaming mint luster, a sharply executed strike, and exceptional surface quality. This coin is truly a registry collector's dream, capable of elevating even the finest numismatic cabinet.

PCGS Cert Verification #50821539

• PCGS Price Guide - $275
• PCGS POP - 784/977
• CAC Price Guide - $265
• CAC POP - 28/106
• PCGS Coin# -  3731

Paradime Coins collects Sales Tax when applicable. Please read our Terms & Conditions page for more information.
View full details