Price Guide for 1869 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: $9.00 – $187.00Uncirculated: $56.00 – $7,044.00
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eBayCirculated: $3.25 – $199.99Uncirculated: $47.00 – $1,569.75
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $185.00Uncirculated: $200.00 – $9,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $40.00 – $1,760.00Uncirculated: $1.85 – $3,680.00
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eBayCirculated: $475.00Uncirculated: $132.49 – $912.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $250.00 – $300.00Uncirculated: $350.00 – $4,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $374.00 – $2,585.00Uncirculated: $529.00 – $43,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $31.60 – $1,950.00Uncirculated: $2,098.95 – $6,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $450.00 – $2,350.00Uncirculated: $2,500.00 – $60,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $219.00 – $558.13Uncirculated: $4.20 – $11,750.00
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eBayCirculated: $563.00 – $910.00Uncirculated: $538.00 – $1,350.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $550.00 – $750.00Uncirculated: $800.00 – $20,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $840.00Uncirculated: $1,320.00 – $15,275.00
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eBayCirculated: $1,499.95Uncirculated: $134.00 – $21,999.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $7,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $489.00 – $24,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,750.00 – $27,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,125.00 – $18,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $35,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $55.00 – $150.00Uncirculated: $288.00
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eBayCirculated: $99.99 – $152.50
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $75.00Uncirculated: $375.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $293.75 – $8,625.00
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eBayUncirculated: $319.99 – $635.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $500.00 – $8,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $552.00 – $19,975.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,475.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $850.00 – $15,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1869 Three Cents
The 1869 Three Cent Nickel was part of the Three Cent Nickel series, which was introduced in 1865 to help alleviate the coin shortage following the Civil War. This coin was designed to replace the silver three-cent piece and was intended to facilitate the purchase of postage stamps, which cost three cents at the time.
The year 1869 saw a relatively low mintage for the denomination, making it a more desirable date for collectors of the series. The Three Cent Nickel would continue to be produced until 1889, when it was discontinued due to lack of demand and the introduction of the Liberty Head nickel.
| 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 1869 Three Cent Nickel has a significant impact on its value and desirability. Due to its low mintage and age, finding high-grade examples can be challenging. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are particularly valuable.
Key factors affecting condition include:
– Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full detail are more desirable.
– Luster: Original mint luster adds significant value.
– Surface preservation: Coins free from major marks, scratches, or damage command higher premiums.
– Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance value for some collectors.
Mintage: 371,100
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant reported
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Additional factors influencing the value of the 1869 Three Cent Nickel include:
1. Historical significance: As a low-mintage year during the Reconstruction era, it holds appeal for history enthusiasts.
2. Type set demand: Essential for collectors assembling Three Cent Nickel or 19th-century type sets.
3. Overall rarity: With a mintage of only 371,100, it’s one of the scarcer dates in the series.
4. Preservation: Well-preserved examples are especially valuable due to the coin’s age and relative scarcity.
5. Market trends: Increased interest in 19th-century coinage can drive up values for key dates like the 1869.
