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.

1880 3 Cents Nickel (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $42.00 – $400.00
    Uncirculated: $161.00 – $7,619.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $73.50 – $250.00
    Uncirculated: $350.00 – $1,860.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $100.00 – $525.00
    Uncirculated: $550.00 – $6,500.00
1880 3 Cents Nickel (Proof)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $184.00 – $411.25
    Uncirculated: $1.10 – $5,520.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $299.99
    Uncirculated: $180.00 – $1,170.30
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $80.00 – $275.00
    Uncirculated: $300.00 – $4,250.00
1880 3 Cents Nickel, CAM (Proof)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $335.00 – $13,225.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $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.

Philadelphia, No Mint Mark

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

Philadelphia, No Mint Mark

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.

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