Price Guide for 1885 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.

1885 3 Cents Nickel (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $230.00 – $3,407.50
    Uncirculated: $518.00 – $29,900.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $79.99 – $4,799.00
    Uncirculated: $6,560.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $1,500.00 – $4,500.00
    Uncirculated: $4,750.00 – $35,000.00
1885 3 Cents Nickel (Proof)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $305.50 – $2,115.00
    Uncirculated: $1.50 – $6,990.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $319.94 – $482.22
    Uncirculated: $250.00 – $1,425.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $85.00 – $275.00
    Uncirculated: $300.00 – $10,000.00
1885 3 Cents Nickel, CAM (Proof)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $364.25 – $13,225.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $337.00 – $910.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $525.00 – $17,500.00
1885 3 Cents Nickel, DCAM (Proof)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $2,530.00 – $8,225.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $5,500.00

Design and Specifications of the 1885 Three Cents

The 1885 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 1885, the coin’s production had significantly decreased due to reduced demand and the increasing popularity of the five-cent nickel.

Weight 1.94 grams
Diameter 17.9 mm
Mint Marks None (Philadelphia only)
Composition 75% copper, 25% nickel
Obverse Design Liberty head facing left, wearing a coronet inscribed with 'LIBERTY', designed by James B. Longacre
Reverse Design Roman numeral III within a decorative C-shaped wreath, designed by James B. Longacre

Rarity Factors and Value Drivers

The condition of the 1885 Three Cent Nickel has a significant impact on its value, particularly for circulation strikes. Due to the extremely low mintage of only 1,000 coins, well-preserved examples are exceptionally rare and valuable. Coins in Mint State grades command substantial premiums.

For proof coins, while more common than circulation strikes, high-grade examples (PR65 and above) are still highly sought after. The quality of strike, luster, and absence of contact marks are crucial factors in determining value.

Philadelphia, No Mint Mark

Mintage: 1,000

Rarity Scale: Very Rare

Circulation Status: Limited Circulation

Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in high grades (MS65 and above) due to low mintage and limited survival rate

Varieties Errors: None notable for this year

Market Demand: High, due to its status as a key date and low mintage

Philadelphia, No Mint Mark

Mintage: 3,790

Rarity Scale: Rare

Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation

Preservation Rarity: Rare in high grades (PR65 and above), but more common than circulation strikes

Varieties Errors: None notable for this year

Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens

Toning can play a role in the desirability of both circulation strikes and proofs. Attractive, natural toning can enhance the value, especially for proof coins.

The historical significance of the 1885 Three Cent Nickel as one of the lowest mintage dates in the series adds to its numismatic appeal. Provenance can also be a factor, with coins from famous collections potentially commanding a premium.

Due to its rarity, authenticity is a crucial concern. Coins should be certified by reputable grading services to ensure genuineness and accurate grading, which can significantly impact value in the marketplace.

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