Price Guide for 1887 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: $201.00 – $1,320.00Uncirculated: $6.50 – $13,369.00
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eBayCirculated: $255.00 – $750.00Uncirculated: $699.99 – $1,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $350.00 – $1,050.00Uncirculated: $1,100.00 – $17,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $184.00 – $492.00Uncirculated: $4.60 – $5,750.00
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eBayUncirculated: $349.99 – $938.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $80.00 – $325.00Uncirculated: $350.00 – $2,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $112.00 – $506.00Uncirculated: $3.85 – $6,047.00
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eBayCirculated: $375.00Uncirculated: $325.00 – $1,400.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $400.00 – $585.00Uncirculated: $600.00 – $5,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $719.00 – $1,553.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,750.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $431.00 – $10,350.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $550.00 – $5,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $336.00 – $16,675.00
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eBayUncirculated: $788.88 – $2,075.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $750.00 – $6,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,300.00 – $3,738.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $432.00 – $1,575.60
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $600.00 – $3,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,320.00 – $3,600.00
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eBayUncirculated: $3,715.35
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $750.00 – $4,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1887 Three Cents
The 1887 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 1887, the coin’s usefulness had diminished, and it was nearing the end of its production run.
The Three Cent Nickel was unique as it was the only three-cent denomination produced in a non-precious metal composition, making it an interesting transitional piece in American coinage history.
| 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 leaves, designed by James B. Longacre |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of the 1887 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 minimal contact marks and full mint luster command substantial premiums.
For circulation strikes, coins graded MS65 or higher are extremely rare and valuable. The strike quality is particularly important, as many Three Cent Nickels from this period can suffer from weak strikes, especially on the reverse wreath details.
Mintage: 5,001
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant known
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 2,960
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades PR65 and above with strong cameo contrast
Varieties Errors: None significant known
Market Demand: High among proof set collectors and type set enthusiasts
Toning can play a crucial role in the desirability of 1887 Three Cent Nickels. Coins with attractive, natural toning patterns are often more valuable than those without toning or with unattractive toning.
For proof issues, the presence and strength of cameo contrast between frosty devices and mirrored fields can significantly increase value. Deep cameo proofs from this year are extremely rare and highly prized by collectors.
The historical significance of the 1887 Three Cent Nickel as one of the last years of the denomination’s production adds to its appeal among collectors of 19th-century American coinage.
