Price Guide for 1879 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: $25.00 – $1,451.13Uncirculated: $184.00 – $7,619.00
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eBayCirculated: $62.05 – $352.00Uncirculated: $227.50 – $1,069.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $50.00 – $400.00Uncirculated: $425.00 – $3,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $60.00 – $299.00Uncirculated: $2.00 – $6,900.00
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eBayCirculated: $81.00 – $200.00Uncirculated: $167.50 – $1,475.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $80.00 – $275.00Uncirculated: $300.00 – $4,250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $246.75 – $9,987.50
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eBayUncirculated: $330.01 – $1,222.22
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $525.00 – $7,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $14,100.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $20,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1879 Three Cents
The 1879 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 1879, the coin’s practical use in circulation had diminished, leading to lower mintages and making it primarily of interest to collectors.
| 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 wreath of olive leaves, designed by James B. Longacre |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of the 1879 Three Cent Nickel significantly impacts its value. Due to its low mintage, well-preserved examples are highly sought after. Circulation strikes in Mint State grades, particularly MS65 and above, command substantial premiums. For proof coins, the presence of cameo or deep cameo contrast can greatly enhance value.
Strike quality is crucial, as many Three Cent Nickels from this period suffer from weak strikes. Coins with full details and sharp rims are more desirable. The presence of luster on circulation strikes and mirror-like fields on proofs are important factors in determining grade and value.
Mintage: 38,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 3,200
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades PR65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High among proof set collectors and type set collectors
Toning can play a significant role in the desirability of 1879 Three Cent Nickels. Natural, attractive toning can enhance value, particularly for proof specimens. However, unattractive or artificial toning can detract from value.
The historical significance of the 1879 issue as a low-mintage year adds to its appeal among collectors. Type set collectors often seek high-grade examples of this date to represent the series. The overall scarcity of the issue, combined with its status as a discontinued denomination, contributes to its strong demand in the numismatic market.
