1881 CN3C Three Cent Nickel ANACS AU58

• Grade and Condition: AU58, or “About Uncirculated 58,” means this coin is very close to mint state, with only the slightest amount of wear on the highest points of the design. In this grade, the coin retains strong detail and much of its original mint luster, making it very appealing to collectors seeking high-quality examples that are nearly uncirculated.
• Historical Context: The Three-Cent Nickel was minted from 1865 to 1889 and was introduced to address a coin shortage during the Civil War. The denomination helped to replace the unpopular Three-Cent Silver coins, which had become impractical due to rising silver prices. The 1881 mintage for the Three-Cent Nickel was quite low, with only 1,077 coins produced, making it a rare year for this series and highly desirable among collectors.
• Design: Designed by James B. Longacre, the obverse of the coin features Lady Liberty facing left, wearing a crown with “United States of America” around the edge. The reverse displays a large Roman numeral “III” surrounded by a wreath, symbolizing the three-cent denomination.
• Rarity and Market Value: The 1881 issue is one of the scarcer dates in the Three-Cent Nickel series, so it holds a premium in nearly any condition, especially in a high-grade AU58. Since the series ended shortly after 1881, coins from these later years often appeal to both series collectors and those drawn to lower-mintage U.S. coins.

This 1881 AU58 example is likely to be highly collectible and should hold value as part of a high-grade U.S. coin set. Its low mintage makes it particularly interesting if you’re focused on scarce issues or want to complete a Three-Cent Nickel collection.