1869 3CN Three Cent Nickel PCGS MS66

The 1869 3CN Three Cent Nickel, graded PCGS MS66, is a beautifully preserved example of a fascinating yet often overlooked U.S. coin series. Here’s an analysis of its features and appeal:

Key Features:

Grade and Condition:

• MS66 (Mint State 66): A superbly preserved coin, MS66 represents a near-flawless example with only minimal marks or imperfections visible under magnification. The coin will exhibit strong luster and well-struck details, making it highly desirable to collectors.
• PCGS Certification: A PCGS encapsulation ensures the coin’s authenticity, grade, and long-term protection, adding to its market appeal.

Design:

• Obverse: Features a portrait of Liberty, adorned with a coronet inscribed “LIBERTY,” designed by James B. Longacre. The design reflects the classical style of mid-19th century U.S. coinage.
• Reverse: Displays a Roman numeral III (representing three) surrounded by a wreath of agricultural crops, symbolizing prosperity.

Historical Context:

• The Three-Cent Nickel series was introduced in 1865 as a replacement for the silver three-cent piece, which had become impractical due to the hoarding of silver during the Civil War.
• Struck in a composition of 75% copper and 25% nickel, the coin was intended to meet the demand for small-denomination coinage in everyday commerce.
• By 1869, the Three-Cent Nickel was a well-established denomination, though its eventual obsolescence began as the need for such small denominations waned with the rise of paper fractional currency and the abolition of the three-cent postage rate.

Mintage and Rarity:

• The mintage for the 1869 3CN was 736,000, a relatively modest production compared to other years in the series. While not the rarest date, surviving examples in high grades like MS66 are scarce.
• Coins from this era in such exceptional condition often represent coins that were saved by collectors or acquired directly from the mint.

Collector Appeal:

• High-Grade Example: MS66 is among the upper echelons for this series, with very few coins graded higher. It represents a premium quality piece for type collectors or series specialists.
• Historic Niche: While not as popular as larger denominations, the Three-Cent Nickel appeals to collectors interested in unique and short-lived denominations of U.S. coinage.

Conclusion:

The 1869 3CN Three Cent Nickel PCGS MS66 is a stunning example of a unique and historically significant U.S. coin series. Its flawless preservation, sharp strike, and historical context make it an excellent addition to advanced collections of 19th-century U.S. coinage or type sets.

G-4 Good—Date and legends complete though worn. III smooth.
VG-8 Very Good—III half worn. Rims complete.
VF-20 Very Fine—Three-quarters of hair details visible.
EF-40 Extremely Fine—Slight, even wear.
AU-50 About Uncirculated—Slight wear on hair curls, above forehead, and on wreath and numeral
III.
MS-60 Uncirculated—No trace of wear. Light blemishes.
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated—Some distracting contact marks or blemishes in prime focal areas.
Some impairment of luster possible.