Price Guide for 1880 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: $42.00 – $400.00Uncirculated: $161.00 – $7,619.00
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eBayCirculated: $73.50 – $250.00Uncirculated: $350.00 – $1,860.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $100.00 – $525.00Uncirculated: $550.00 – $6,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $184.00 – $411.25Uncirculated: $1.10 – $5,520.00
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eBayCirculated: $299.99Uncirculated: $180.00 – $1,170.30
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $80.00 – $275.00Uncirculated: $300.00 – $4,250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $335.00 – $13,225.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $525.00 – $6,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1880 Three Cents
The 1880 Three Cent Nickel was part of the Three Cent Nickel series, which was produced from 1865 to 1889. This coin was introduced during the Civil War to help alleviate the coin shortage and provide an alternative to the silver three-cent piece. By 1880, the coin’s popularity had significantly declined, resulting in very low mintage numbers for that year.
| 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 branches, designed by James B. Longacre |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of the 1880 Three Cent Nickel has a significant impact on its value. Due to its low mintage, well-preserved examples are highly sought after by collectors. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 or higher) command substantial premiums.
For circulated examples, even small differences in grade can result in notable price variations. Coins with sharp details, minimal wear, and attractive surfaces are particularly desirable.
Mintage: 21,000
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None widely recognized
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 3,955
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades PR65 and above with strong cameo contrast
Varieties Errors: None widely recognized
Market Demand: High among proof set collectors and type set collectors
Luster is a crucial factor for uncirculated specimens, with coins exhibiting full, original mint luster being highly prized. Toning can also play a role in desirability, with attractively toned examples often commanding premiums.
For proof issues, cameo contrast between frosted devices and mirrored fields can significantly enhance value. Deep Cameo or Ultra Cameo examples are especially rare and valuable for this year.
Due to the low mintage, any major error or variety would be extremely rare and valuable, although none are widely recognized for this date.
