Price Guide for 1883 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: $150.00 – $1,950.00Uncirculated: $380.00 – $36,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $349.00 – $871.50Uncirculated: $2,673.00 – $3,350.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $350.00 – $2,000.00Uncirculated: $2,250.00 – $50,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $38.00 – $646.25Uncirculated: $1.35 – $11,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $305.89 – $495.00Uncirculated: $203.50 – $1,265.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $85.00 – $275.00Uncirculated: $300.00 – $17,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $264.00 – $9,693.75
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eBayCirculated: $405.00 – $695.00Uncirculated: $355.06 – $1,233.75
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $450.00 – $7,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,803.60 – $17,625.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $7,500.00 – $22,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1883 Three Cents
The 1883 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 a convenient denomination for purchasing postage stamps.
By 1883, the Three Cent Nickel had become less necessary in circulation due to the return of silver coins and the introduction of the Liberty Head Nickel. As a result, mintage numbers were relatively low compared to earlier years in the series.
| 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 1883 Three Cent Nickel significantly impacts its value due to its low mintage and age. Circulated examples are scarce but can be found, while uncirculated specimens are quite rare and highly sought after by collectors.
Mint State examples with strong strikes, full luster, and minimal contact marks command substantial premiums. The presence of original mint luster is particularly important for this issue.
Mintage: 4,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant for this year
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 6,609
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Uncommon in grades PR65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant for this year
Market Demand: High, particularly for cameo and deep cameo specimens
Proof specimens of the 1883 Three Cent Nickel are particularly valuable, especially those with strong cameo or deep cameo contrast. The quality of the strike is crucial for both circulation and proof issues, with well-struck examples commanding higher premiums.
Toning can also affect value, with attractive, natural toning often enhancing a coin’s appeal to collectors. However, any signs of cleaning or other improper handling can significantly decrease the coin’s value, regardless of its grade.
