Certification and Grade:
- PCGS MS66:
- A superb Mint State coin with minimal marks visible only under magnification.
- This grade is exceptionally high for the series, reflecting its excellent luster, strike, and surface preservation.
Specifications:
- Year: 1870.
- Mint: Philadelphia (no mint mark).
- Denomination: Three cents.
- Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel.
- Weight: 1.94 grams.
- Diameter: 17.9 mm.
- Edge: Plain.
- Designer: James B. Longacre.
Design:
- Obverse:
- Features a classic Liberty head facing left, wearing a coronet inscribed with “LIBERTY.”
- The design is reminiscent of the Roman goddess Liberty, a popular theme in 19th-century American coinage.
- Reverse:
- Displays a Roman numeral III surrounded by a laurel wreath.
- The simple, elegant design emphasizes the coin’s denomination.
Historical Context:
- Introduced in 1865, the Three Cent Nickel was created to replace the Three Cent Silver coin and alleviate coin shortages during the Civil War.
- By 1870, the series was primarily used for small transactions, as paper money had begun to dominate commerce.
- Mintage for 1870 was 1,335,000, making it a relatively common issue in the series, though examples in MS66 or higher are scarce.
Collector Appeal:
- High Grade:
- MS66 examples are coveted for their pristine surfaces and strong eye appeal.
- Few Three Cent Nickels survive in such exceptional condition due to circulation and the passage of time.
- Historical Value:
- Represents a unique denomination and a transitional period in U.S. monetary history.
- Collectors of 19th-century coins often seek out well-preserved examples of the Three Cent Nickel series.
- PCGS Certification:
- Ensures authenticity and provides an objective grade, which is critical in the numismatic market.
- Type Set Inclusion:
- A superb choice for a high-grade type set, especially for those focusing on mid-19th-century coinage.
Conclusion:
The 1870 3CN Three Cent Nickel PCGS MS66 is an outstanding coin for collectors seeking a combination of rarity, historical significance, and superior condition. Its place in U.S. numismatic history and its high grade make it a prized piece for any collection.
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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.
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