1871 3CN Three Cent Nickel PCGS MS66

Key Features:

• Obverse:
  • The obverse displays a portrait of Liberty facing left, wearing a coronet inscribed with “LIBERTY”. This classical depiction by Chief Engraver James B. Longacre features Liberty with finely detailed hair and facial features.
  • The inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” surrounds Liberty’s profile, with the date “1871” located below her.
• Reverse:
  • The reverse features the denomination as the Roman numeral “III” encircled by a laurel wreath, symbolizing peace and unity.
• Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel.
• Weight: 1.94 grams.
• Diameter: 17.9 mm.

Grade:

• PCGS MS66 (Mint State 66):
  • An MS66 grade designates this coin as a high-end Mint State example, with strong luster, sharp details, and minimal surface marks. This high grade reflects its remarkable preservation and is rare for coins from this era, particularly given the challenges of finding uncirculated 3-Cent Nickels in such pristine condition.

Historical Context:

• Three-Cent Nickel Series:
  • The 3-Cent Nickel was introduced in 1865 as a practical solution for circulating small change. This denomination filled a niche between the one- and five-cent pieces, and its copper-nickel composition made it durable. By 1871, however, its demand had begun to decline, though it continued to be produced for another decade.
• Decline in Circulation:
  • With an increase in silver coinage, particularly the dime, the necessity of the 3-Cent Nickel gradually decreased. This led to reduced mintages in later years, as the U.S. Mint shifted focus to more commonly used denominations.

Mintage & Rarity:

• Mintage:
  • The 1871 3-Cent Nickel had a mintage of 561,000 coins. While this is a moderate mintage, finding coins in higher Mint State grades like MS66 is uncommon due to circulation and the wear they generally incurred.
• Scarcity in High Grade:
  • In MS66, this coin is a rare example within the series. Its grade signifies superior luster, sharp strike, and minimal abrasions, making it a prized find for collectors focused on high-grade U.S. coinage.

Market Appeal:

• Collector Demand:
  • This coin appeals to collectors interested in 19th-century U.S. coinage, particularly those who specialize in unique and obsolete denominations. Its high grade and well-preserved state make it especially attractive to those seeking top-quality examples of the 3-Cent Nickel series.
• Investment Potential:
  • High-grade examples like this 1871 MS66 are valuable not only for their rarity but also for their investment potential. As one of the highest-graded pieces, it is likely to maintain or increase in value due to its limited availability and appeal to both numismatic collectors and investors.

Conclusion:

The 1871 3-Cent Nickel PCGS MS66 is a desirable and rare example of a unique U.S. coin denomination. Its high-grade preservation, historical significance, and attractive design make it a valuable piece for collectors focused on U.S. history and high-quality coinage. This coin represents both a historical artifact and a quality investment piece.

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.