Key Features:
- Obverse:
- The obverse displays a left-facing profile of Liberty, wearing a coronet inscribed with “LIBERTY”. Designed by James B. Longacre, Liberty’s profile is rendered with intricate detail, showing fine lines in her hair and a dignified expression.
- Encircling Liberty’s portrait are the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” with the date “1881” positioned below.
- Reverse:
- The reverse side features the denomination as the Roman numeral “III” encircled by a laurel wreath, symbolizing peace and unity. The design is elegant and simple, keeping with the coin’s smaller size and purpose.
- Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel.
- Weight: 1.94 grams.
- Diameter: 17.9 mm.
Grade:
- PCGS MS66 (Mint State 66):
- With an MS66 grade, this coin is in superb Mint State condition, exhibiting full luster, sharp strike details, and only a few tiny marks that are difficult to see without magnification. This is an exceptional grade for an 1881 3-Cent Nickel, as few coins of this date survive in such pristine condition.
- CAC Certification:
- The CAC (Certified Acceptance Corporation) certification indicates that this coin meets the highest quality standards within its grade. CAC certification adds further appeal and value, as it verifies the coin’s quality and eye appeal, confirming it as a premium example of MS66.
Historical Context:
- Three-Cent Nickel Series:
- By 1881, the 3-Cent Nickel was minted in much lower quantities compared to the initial years of the series, reflecting its decline in usage as smaller denomination coins became more common. The 3-Cent Nickel remained in production until 1889, but later years had very low mintages, making them more collectible.
- Historical Significance:
- The 3-Cent Nickel is one of the few American coins in this denomination and was introduced as a practical alternative to the 3-Cent Silver during post-Civil War coin shortages. However, as demand decreased, fewer coins were minted, leading to rarity in high grades for dates like 1881.
Mintage & Rarity:
- Low Mintage:
- Only 1,077,000 3-Cent Nickels were minted in 1881, making it one of the scarcer dates in the series. High-grade examples like this MS66 are rare, as many were used in circulation, accumulating wear that makes pristine pieces uncommon.
- Scarcity in High Grade:
- In MS66 with CAC approval, this 1881 coin is particularly rare. Very few 3-Cent Nickels from the 1880s survive in such fine condition, making this coin a prize for collectors seeking top-quality examples.
Market Appeal:
- Collector Demand:
- The combination of high grade and CAC certification increases the desirability of this coin, especially among collectors focused on premium, high-grade U.S. coinage. The 3-Cent Nickel series is already an attractive collection, and high-quality examples from lower-mintage years like 1881 are especially valued.
- Investment Potential:
- The rarity, high grade, and CAC certification give this coin solid investment potential. Collectors and investors alike value CAC-certified coins for their verified quality and higher market appeal, which can make them more likely to retain or increase in value over time.
Conclusion:
The 1881 3-Cent Nickel PCGS MS66 CAC is a remarkable specimen of a scarce U.S. denomination. Its high grade, CAC certification, and low mintage make it a valuable addition for collectors and investors who focus on premium-quality 19th-century U.S. coinage. This coin represents a high level of historical significance and numismatic appeal, capturing a unique period in American minting history.
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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