Price Guide for 1881 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: $13.00 – $109.00Uncirculated: $45.00 – $7,619.00
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eBayCirculated: $8.50 – $385.00Uncirculated: $38.00 – $700.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $185.00Uncirculated: $200.00 – $5,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $99.00 – $550.00Uncirculated: $1.00 – $7,475.00
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eBayCirculated: $100.00 – $223.59Uncirculated: $197.50 – $4,501.22
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $225.00 – $275.00Uncirculated: $300.00 – $6,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $129.25
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eBayUncirculated: $332.49 – $937.50
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $241.20 – $14,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $89.95Uncirculated: $316.66 – $5,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $525.00 – $15,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $236.00 – $11,162.50
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eBayUncirculated: $7,890.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,750.00 – $20,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1881 Three Cents
The 1881 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 era to facilitate small transactions when silver coins were being hoarded. By 1881, the coin’s usefulness had diminished, but production continued in small numbers for collectors.
| Weight | 1.94 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
| Mint Marks | No mint mark (Philadelphia) |
| 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 1881 Three Cent Nickel has a significant impact on its value. Due to the extremely low mintage, well-preserved circulation strikes are highly sought after. Coins in Mint State grades command substantial premiums, with those grading MS65 or higher being extremely valuable.
For proof coins, the presence and quality of cameo contrast can greatly affect value. Deep cameo proofs with strong contrast between frosted devices and mirrored fields are particularly desirable.
Mintage: 1,080
Rarity Scale: Very Rare
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in high grades (MS65 and above) due to low mintage and limited survival rate
Varieties Errors: None known
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 3,575
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in high grades (PR65 and above) due to handling and storage over time
Varieties Errors: None known
Market Demand: High, particularly for cameo and deep cameo specimens
Strike quality is crucial for both circulation and proof issues. Well-struck coins with full detail, especially on Liberty’s hair and the wreath on the reverse, are more valuable. Original luster is highly prized in circulation strikes, while attractive, even toning can enhance the value of both business strikes and proofs.
The 1881 Three Cent Nickel is a key date in the series due to its extremely low mintage. This factor alone makes it highly collectible and valuable, regardless of condition. However, the rarity of high-grade specimens further amplifies the value for well-preserved examples.
