Price Guide for 1871 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.

1871 3 Cents Nickel (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $16.00 – $306.00
    Uncirculated: $81.00 – $14,100.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $12.34 – $224.00
    Uncirculated: $155.00 – $1,430.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $20.00 – $250.00
    Uncirculated: $275.00 – $15,000.00
1871 3 Cents Nickel (Proof)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $2.55 – $8,225.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $150.50
    Uncirculated: $162.61 – $1,730.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $200.00 – $275.00
    Uncirculated: $300.00 – $11,000.00
1871 3 Cents (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $184.00 – $1,997.50
    Uncirculated: $431.00 – $15,600.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $65.00 – $925.00
    Uncirculated: $150.00 – $2,500.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $800.00 – $1,275.00
    Uncirculated: $1,300.00 – $30,000.00
1871 3 Cents (Proof)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $201.00 – $2,750.00
    Uncirculated: $2.60 – $14,100.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $466.00 – $725.00
    Uncirculated: $411.20 – $3,000.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $650.00 – $750.00
    Uncirculated: $800.00 – $45,000.00
1871 3 Cents, PL (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $3,600.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $5,500.00
1871 3 Cents, CAM (Proof)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $489.00 – $9,987.50
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $721.00 – $1,276.22
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $1,100.00 – $40,000.00
1871 3 Cents, DCAM (Proof)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $9,200.00 – $9,988.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $15,000.00
1871 3 Cents Nickel TDO FS-101 (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $264.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $41.00 – $2,350.00
    Uncirculated: $450.00
1871 3 Cents Nickel, CAM (Proof)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $322.00 – $17,625.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $559.99 – $926.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $450.00 – $18,500.00
1871 3 Cents Nickel, DCAM (Proof)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $4,935.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $22,500.00

Design and Specifications of the 1871 Three Cents

The 1871 Three Cent Nickel was part of the Three Cent Nickel series, which was produced from 1865 to 1889. This coin was introduced after the Civil War to help facilitate the redemption of fractional currency and to provide a convenient denomination for small transactions.

The Three Cent Nickel was designed to circulate alongside the silver three-cent piece, which had been minted since 1851 but was becoming less popular due to the rising price of silver. The nickel composition made it more durable and less prone to hoarding than its silver counterpart.

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 within an ornate C-shaped design, designed by James B. Longacre

Rarity Factors and Value Drivers

The condition of the 1871 Three Cent Nickel significantly impacts its value. Due to its relatively low mintage and age, high-grade specimens are particularly valuable. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are scarce, with those in MS65 or better being quite rare.

Key factors affecting condition include:

Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full detail are more desirable.
Luster: Original mint luster adds significant premium.
Surface preservation: Absence of marks, scratches, or wear is crucial for higher grades.

Philadelphia, No Mint Mark

Mintage: 604,000

Rarity Scale: Scarce

Circulation Status: Limited Circulation

Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above, with few surviving in gem condition

Varieties Errors: None significant for this year

Market Demand: Moderate, with increased interest from Three Cent Nickel series collectors

Toning can play a role in the desirability of the 1871 Three Cent Nickel. Coins with attractive, natural toning may command a premium among collectors. However, original, untoned specimens with full mint luster are also highly sought after.

The relative scarcity of the 1871 issue compared to some other years in the series adds to its appeal. While not considered a key date, it is a better date within the Three Cent Nickel series, which can increase demand and value.

As with many 19th-century coins, provenance can also impact value. Coins with a documented history of ownership, especially if linked to notable collections, may command higher prices at auction.

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