Price Guide for 1870 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: $15.00 – $1,947.00Uncirculated: $31.00 – $6,900.00
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eBayCirculated: $11.50 – $250.00Uncirculated: $46.00 – $700.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $185.00Uncirculated: $200.00 – $10,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $312.00Uncirculated: $1.85 – $4,600.00
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eBayUncirculated: $189.54 – $960.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $200.00 – $275.00Uncirculated: $300.00 – $5,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $207.00
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eBayCirculated: $89.00 – $122.50
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $75.00 – $235.00Uncirculated: $250.00 – $275.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $212.00 – $1,668.50Uncirculated: $552.00 – $36,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $73.00 – $1,285.00Uncirculated: $167.60 – $1,674.77
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $650.00 – $1,850.00Uncirculated: $2,000.00 – $45,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $201.00 – $403.00Uncirculated: $2.60 – $13,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $490.00 – $785.00Uncirculated: $410.00 – $7,997.97
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $600.00 – $750.00Uncirculated: $800.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6,462.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $11,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $460.00Uncirculated: $667.00 – $21,850.00
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eBayUncirculated: $725.00 – $2,826.25
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,000.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,320.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6,500.00 – $15,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $323.00 – $10,350.00
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eBayUncirculated: $370.77 – $825.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $525.00 – $9,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,160.00 – $13,512.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3,000.00 – $20,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1870 Three Cents
The 1870 Three Cent Nickel was part of the Three Cent Nickel series, which was produced from 1865 to 1889. This coin was introduced to replace the silver three-cent piece, which had become scarce during the Civil War. The Three Cent Nickel was designed to facilitate small transactions and postage purchases.
By 1870, the coin was well-established in circulation, though its popularity was beginning to wane as the country’s economy continued to recover from the Civil War.
| 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, designed by James B. Longacre |
| Reverse Design | Roman numeral III within a wreath of olive leaves, designed by James B. Longacre |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of the 1870 Three Cent Nickel significantly impacts its value. Circulated examples are relatively affordable, but uncirculated specimens command substantial premiums. The strike quality is particularly important for this issue, as many examples show weakness in the details.
Luster is a crucial factor in determining grade and value for uncirculated coins. Full, original mint luster is highly desirable. Toning, while less common on nickel coins, can add to the appeal if attractive and natural.
Mintage: 1,335,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant for this year
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 1,000
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades PR65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant for this year
Market Demand: High, especially for cameo and deep cameo specimens
Proof specimens of the 1870 Three Cent Nickel are particularly valuable due to their low mintage. Cameo and deep cameo contrast on proof coins can significantly increase their value.
For circulation strikes, fully struck examples with sharp details on both obverse and reverse are highly sought after. The presence of carbon spots or other surface issues can negatively impact value, even on high-grade specimens.
As a semi-key date in the series, the 1870 Three Cent Nickel tends to command higher premiums compared to more common dates, especially in higher grades.
