Heritage World Coin Auctions
FUN Signature US Coin Sale 1251 4-6 & 8-9 Jan 2017
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Three Cent Nickels
1885 3CN MS65 PCGS. CAC. By 1885 there was almost no commercial demand for the three cent denomination, as the public found the dime, five cent nickel, and cent perfectly adequate for small change purposes, after the government resumed specie payments in 1879. Only 1,000 business-strike three cent nickels were struck in 1885, the lowest mintage of the series. The issue was saved to some extent by contemporary collectors, but most numismatists of that period preferred to acquire proofs for their collections. The nominal proof mintage of 3,790 pieces was probably more than adequate to satisfy collector demand. Today, the 1885 three cent nickel is an elusive key date, and examples in MS65 condition are rare.
The present coin is an attractive Gem, with well-detailed design elements that show a touch of the usual softness on Liberty's hair. The well-preserved surfaces radiate vibrant mint luster, with subtle hints of pale gold and lavender-gray toning. Eye appeal is outstanding. Population: 17 in 65 (1 in 65+), 16 finer. CAC: 8 in 65, 5 finer (11/16).
1885 3CN MS65 PCGS. CAC. By 1885 there was almost no commercial demand for the three cent denomination, as the public found the dime, five cent nickel, and cent perfectly adequate for small change purposes, after the government resumed specie payments in 1879. Only 1,000 business-strike three cent nickels were struck in 1885, the lowest mintage of the series. The issue was saved to some extent by contemporary collectors, but most numismatists of that period preferred to acquire proofs for their collections. The nominal proof mintage of 3,790 pieces was probably more than adequate to satisfy collector demand. Today, the 1885 three cent nickel is an elusive key date, and examples in MS65 condition are rare.
The present coin is an attractive Gem, with well-detailed design elements that show a touch of the usual softness on Liberty's hair. The well-preserved surfaces radiate vibrant mint luster, with subtle hints of pale gold and lavender-gray toning. Eye appeal is outstanding. Population: 17 in 65 (1 in 65+), 16 finer. CAC: 8 in 65, 5 finer (11/16).