Price Guide for 1864 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: $230.00 – $1,880.00Uncirculated: $518.00 – $44,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $65.00 – $819.00Uncirculated: $135.95 – $1,445.95
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $600.00 – $1,650.00Uncirculated: $1,700.00 – $50,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $374.00Uncirculated: $16.00 – $16,800.00
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eBayUncirculated: $685.00 – $1,884.75
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $550.00 – $750.00Uncirculated: $800.00 – $12,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,320.00 – $8,518.75
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eBayCirculated: $439.49Uncirculated: $9.59 – $168.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6,000.00 – $11,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $575.00 – $31,725.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,923.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,500.00 – $75,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,230.00 – $9,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $7,500.00 – $15,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1864 Three Cents
The 1864 Three Cent Nickel was part of the Three Cent Nickel series, introduced in 1865 to replace the silver three-cent piece. However, the 1864 issue was a pattern coin, struck in very limited numbers before the official release of the series. This makes the 1864 Three Cent Nickel an extremely rare and historically significant coin, highly sought after by collectors and numismatists.
| Weight | 1.94 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
| Mint Marks | Philadelphia (no mint mark) |
| Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel |
| Obverse Design | Liberty head facing left, wearing a coronet inscribed with 'LIBERTY', designed by James B. Longacre |
| Reverse Design | Roman numeral III within an ornate C-shaped design, designed by James B. Longacre |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of the 1864 Three Cent Nickel has a significant impact on its value. As a pattern coin, most surviving examples are in high grades, typically Proof-60 or better. The value increases exponentially with grade, with Proof-65 or higher specimens commanding substantial premiums.
Factors such as strike quality, surface preservation, and eye appeal are crucial in determining the coin’s value. Any signs of mishandling or imperfections can greatly affect the coin’s desirability and price.
Mintage: 12 (estimated)
Rarity Scale: Extremely Rare
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in all grades, with most known examples in high grades due to their pattern status
Varieties Errors: None known
Market Demand: High, due to extreme rarity and historical significance
The extreme rarity of the 1864 Three Cent Nickel is the primary factor driving its value. As a pattern coin, it represents a crucial piece of numismatic history, bridging the gap between the silver three-cent piece and the official nickel three-cent series.
The coin’s historical significance and its status as a precursor to a popular series make it highly desirable to advanced collectors and specialists in U.S. coinage. The provenance of individual specimens can also significantly impact value, with coins from famous collections or with documented early history commanding premium prices.
