Three Cent Nickel (Cents) 1865-1889 US Coin Facts Image

1865 THREE CENTS (NICKEL) 1865-1889

Images courtesy of Heritage Numismatic Auctions

Cherry Picker's List:

1873 Found in Open 3 and Closed 3 varieties. All of the Proofs are of the Closed 3 variety.

1877 Rare, Proof-only date.

1878 Struck only as Proofs.

1887 Look for the 1887/6 variety on Proofs.

Key Dates:

1879

1880

1882

1883

1884

1885

1887

1888

1889

FACTS:

The original purpose of the Three Cents coins to provide an intermediate denomination between the Cent and Half Dime, making it easier to change some of the odd foreign coins that were legal tender in America at that time. These tiny coins were known officially as "Trimes" and unofficially as "fish scales."

SPECIFICATIONS:

Designer: James Barton Longacre

Diameter: 17.9 millimeters

Metal content:

Nickel - 25%

Copper - 75%

Weight: 30 grains (1.9 grams)

Edge: Plain

Mintmark: None (all dates of this type were struck at the Philadelphia, PA Mint)