Price Guide for 1877 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: $1,006.00 – $2,585.00Uncirculated: $15.60 – $7,343.75
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eBayCirculated: $1,600.00 – $2,795.00Uncirculated: $2,000.00 – $3,895.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,400.00 – $2,150.00Uncirculated: $2,200.00 – $7,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,783.00 – $13,800.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2,799.95 – $6,450.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,500.00 – $12,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,070.00 – $11,456.25
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4,500.00 – $12,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1877 Three Cents
The 1877 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 transition from the wartime economy back to normal commerce. By 1877, the coin’s circulation was declining due to the increasing popularity of the five-cent nickel.
The Three Cent Nickel was designed to replace the earlier silver three-cent piece, which had become scarce during the Civil War. It was intended to facilitate the purchase of postage stamps and small transactions.
| Weight | 1.94 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
| Mint Marks | None (Philadelphia only) |
| Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel |
| Obverse Design | Liberty head facing left, designed by James B. Longacre |
| Reverse Design | Roman numeral III within a laurel wreath, designed by James B. Longacre |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of the 1877 Three Cent Nickel significantly impacts its value. Due to its low mintage and age, finding high-grade specimens can be challenging. Coins in Uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are particularly valuable, with premium prices for those grading MS65 or higher.
Proof specimens are highly sought after, with cameo and deep cameo examples commanding substantial premiums. The quality of strike, luster, and absence of contact marks are crucial factors in determining the coin’s grade and value.
Mintage: 510,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant for this year
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 900
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, particularly for cameo and deep cameo specimens
Toning can play a significant role in the desirability of the 1877 Three Cent Nickel. Natural, attractive toning can enhance the coin’s appeal and value, particularly for proof issues.
The historical significance of the 1877 issue, being a low-mintage year, adds to its collectible appeal. Complete collections of Three Cent Nickels often hinge on acquiring a high-quality 1877 specimen, further driving demand and value for well-preserved examples.
Provenance can also impact value, with coins from famous collections or with a documented history often commanding a premium in the market.
