Price Guide for 1865 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: $11.00 – $360.00Uncirculated: $35.00 – $19,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $7.99 – $1,775.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $1,044.75
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $185.00Uncirculated: $200.00 – $15,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $276.00 – $3,850.00Uncirculated: $9.75 – $14,950.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2,475.00 – $4,150.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $700.00 – $850.00Uncirculated: $1,000.00 – $9,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $403.00 – $3,300.00Uncirculated: $713.00 – $75,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $5.59 – $787.00Uncirculated: $112.50 – $14,850.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $675.00 – $2,100.00Uncirculated: $2,250.00 – $90,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $5.25 – $322.00Uncirculated: $15.00 – $13,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $872.36Uncirculated: $710.00 – $1,892.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $750.00 – $800.00Uncirculated: $900.00 – $5,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $834.00 – $26,400.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,500.00 – $45,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $15,416.00 – $28,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $30,000.00 – $35,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $240.00
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eBayCirculated: $699.95 – $900.00Uncirculated: $129.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $250.00 – $300.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $79.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $77.00 – $276.00Uncirculated: $228.00 – $660.00
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eBayCirculated: $109.95Uncirculated: $350.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $200.00Uncirculated: $850.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $219.00Uncirculated: $528.00
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eBayUncirculated: $700.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $750.00
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eBayCirculated: $125.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,725.00 – $18,400.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2,300.00 – $3,807.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,750.00 – $20,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,760.00 – $31,050.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5,000.00 – $40,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1865 Three Cents
The 1865 Three Cent Nickel was introduced during the Civil War as a response to the coin shortage. It was designed to replace the silver three-cent piece and provide a more durable alternative. 1865 marked the first year of production for this denomination, making it historically significant. The Three Cent Nickel was minted until 1889, serving as a transitional denomination during a period of monetary changes in the United States.
| 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
Condition plays a crucial role in the value of 1865 Three Cent Nickels. Due to the coin’s small size and the mint’s focus on quantity over quality during wartime, many examples show weak strikes, particularly on the reverse. Coins with full detail and minimal wear are highly sought after.
Luster is a key factor, with original, frosty surfaces commanding premium prices. Toning can add appeal, especially if it’s attractive and natural. Any signs of cleaning or damage significantly reduce value, so original, problem-free coins are most desirable to collectors.
Mintage: 11,382,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above due to strike quality issues
Varieties Errors: None significant for this year
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for high-grade specimens
As the first year of issue, the 1865 Three Cent Nickel holds special appeal for collectors assembling type sets or focusing on Civil War era coinage. The historical context of its introduction during a time of economic upheaval adds to its numismatic interest.
Die varieties, while not as prominent as in some other series, can add value for specialists. Coins with exceptional eye appeal, particularly those with sharp strikes and attractive toning, often command significant premiums at auction. The preservation of fine details in the Liberty head’s hair and the intricacies of the reverse design are key points of evaluation for advanced collectors.
