Price Guide for 1886 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: $84.00 – $440.00Uncirculated: $1.50 – $10,925.00
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eBayCirculated: $280.00 – $500.00Uncirculated: $269.95 – $6,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $350.00 – $485.00Uncirculated: $500.00 – $5,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $352.50 – $3,840.00
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eBayUncirculated: $500.00 – $1,150.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $525.00 – $6,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,055.00 – $3,450.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1886 Three Cents
The 1886 Three Cent Nickel was part of the Three Cent Nickel series, which was produced from 1865 to 1889. This coin was introduced after the Civil War to help facilitate the redemption of fractional currency and to provide a convenient denomination for small purchases.
By 1886, the Three Cent Nickel was declining in popularity and mintage numbers were significantly lower compared to earlier years in the series. This coin represents one of the last few years of production for this unique denomination.
| 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 1886 Three Cent Nickel has a significant impact on its value. Due to its low mintage, well-preserved examples are highly sought after by collectors.
Uncirculated specimens with original mint luster and minimal contact marks command substantial premiums. For circulated coins, grades of XF (Extremely Fine) and above are particularly desirable.
The strike quality is crucial for this issue, as weakly struck coins are less appealing to collectors. Toning can also affect value, with attractive, natural toning often enhancing a coin’s desirability.
Mintage: 4,290
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to low mintage and key date status
Mintage: 4,290
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades PR65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
The 1886 Three Cent Nickel’s value is primarily driven by its low mintage and status as a key date in the series. Both circulation strikes and proofs are highly valued by collectors.
Provenance can play a role in value, especially for high-grade specimens with a history of belonging to notable collections. The historical significance of the Three Cent Nickel as an unusual denomination adds to its appeal among numismatists.
As one of the last few years of the series, the 1886 issue holds particular interest for collectors attempting to complete date sets of Three Cent Nickels.
