Price Guide for 1872 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: $12.00 – $519.40Uncirculated: $65.00 – $7,619.00
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eBayCirculated: $8.50 – $167.50Uncirculated: $61.00 – $525.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $235.00Uncirculated: $250.00 – $10,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $253.00 – $504.00Uncirculated: $2.15 – $3,055.00
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eBayCirculated: $320.00 – $950.00Uncirculated: $199.00 – $1,691.66
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $200.00 – $275.00Uncirculated: $300.00 – $4,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $345.00 – $2,760.00Uncirculated: $468.00 – $57,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $1,034.00Uncirculated: $3,750.00 – $4,175.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,500.00 – $3,850.00Uncirculated: $4,000.00 – $75,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $253.00 – $900.00Uncirculated: $5.25 – $25,850.00
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eBayCirculated: $610.00 – $760.00Uncirculated: $669.56 – $1,975.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $650.00 – $750.00Uncirculated: $800.00 – $45,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $638.00 – $31,200.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,045.00 – $1,675.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,100.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,013.00 – $16,450.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4,000.00 – $20,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $325.00 – $8,050.00
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eBayUncirculated: $385.00 – $550.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $525.00 – $6,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,640.00 – $11,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3,500.00 – $8,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1872 Three Cents
The 1872 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 and was designed to facilitate small transactions during a period of economic uncertainty following the Civil War.
By 1872, the coin’s circulation had significantly decreased due to the increasing availability of other small denominations and the public’s preference for the newly introduced Shield 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, designed by James B. Longacre |
| Reverse Design | Roman numeral III within an ornate C, designed by James B. Longacre |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of the 1872 Three Cent Nickel significantly impacts its value. Circulation strikes in Mint State grades are scarce, with those in MS65 or higher being particularly rare and valuable. For proof coins, the presence of cameo or deep cameo contrast can substantially increase the value.
Strike quality is crucial for this issue, as many examples show weakness in the details, particularly on the reverse. Coins with full, sharp strikes command a premium. Luster is also important, with attractive, original surfaces being highly desirable to collectors.
Mintage: 862,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited 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: 950
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
Toning can play a role in the desirability of the 1872 Three Cent Nickel. Natural, attractive toning can enhance the value, particularly for proof specimens. However, any signs of cleaning or artificial toning can significantly decrease the coin’s worth.
The rarity of high-grade examples, both for circulation strikes and proofs, makes this date appealing to collectors of the series. The relatively low mintage for both types adds to the overall scarcity and collector interest in this particular year.
