Price Guide for 1862 Three Cents Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $18.00 – $495.00Uncirculated: $1.75 – $30,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $45.00 – $326.00Uncirculated: $176.77 – $1,700.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $65.00 – $375.00Uncirculated: $400.00 – $30,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $32.00 – $489.00Uncirculated: $127.00 – $12,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $160.50 – $500.00Uncirculated: $175.50 – $1,534.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $65.00 – $550.00Uncirculated: $600.00 – $30,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $345.00Uncirculated: $2.50 – $13,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $298.00Uncirculated: $375.99 – $1,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $800.00 – $15,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $99.00 – $129.00Uncirculated: $204.00 – $26,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $103.63 – $280.00Uncirculated: $200.00 – $499.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $75.00 – $550.00Uncirculated: $600.00 – $30,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $558.00 – $30,550.00
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eBayUncirculated: $620.00 – $999.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,000.00 – $32,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $5,566.00 – $6,325.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $17,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1862 Three Cents
The 1862 Three Cent Nickel was part of the Three Cent Nickel series, introduced in 1865 to replace the silver three-cent piece. However, the 1862 issue was a pattern coin, not intended for circulation. It was produced two years before the official introduction of the series, making it a rare and historically significant piece.
This pattern coin was created during the Civil War, a time of economic uncertainty and coin hoarding. Its creation was part of efforts to address the coin shortage and find alternatives to silver coinage.
| Weight | 1.94 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
| Mint Marks | Philadelphia (no mint mark) |
| Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel |
| Obverse Design | Liberty head facing right, wearing a coronet inscribed with 'LIBERTY', designed by James B. Longacre |
| Reverse Design | Roman numeral III surrounded by a wreath of olive leaves, designed by James B. Longacre |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition is crucial for the 1862 Three Cent Nickel pattern. As a non-circulating pattern coin, examples are typically found in higher grades. However, even slight differences in condition can have a significant impact on value.
Coins in Proof condition are especially desirable, with factors such as strike quality, surface preservation, and eye appeal being critical. The presence of original mint luster and absence of contact marks or scratches greatly enhance value.
Mintage: Unknown, likely very low
Rarity Scale: Very Rare
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in any grade, especially in high grades
Varieties Errors: None known
Market Demand: High, due to its status as a pattern coin and historical significance
The historical significance of this pattern coin adds substantially to its value. As a precursor to the official Three Cent Nickel series, it represents an important piece of numismatic history.
The rarity of this issue, with its unknown but presumed very low mintage, is a major factor in its value. Its status as a pattern coin from the Civil War era further increases its desirability among collectors and historians.
The provenance of individual specimens can also significantly affect value, with coins having a documented history of ownership by notable collectors potentially commanding premium prices.
