Three Cent Nickel Values Have a Wide Range

Three cent nickel values start at $11 for a heavily worn, common date coin.

However... the series was minted for a short twenty-five years and then discontinued. Of those twenty-five different dates, 13 are rare and more valuable. With the difference in value from the common to rare dates sometimes very significant.

A quick look at the value chart shows common dates at $11 each and the rarest 1885 at an impressive $311.

Additionally, your three cent nickel values are likely higher because of its grade. The reason...

They were unpopular, did not circulate and wear as much as pennies or dimes. This increases the chance your coin is in "Fine" or better condition with a minimum value of fifteen dollars or more. There is a "how to" section about the importance of "grading" below.

Three Cent Nickel Values - What Dealers Pay

The following three cent nickel values show the large difference separating certain dates from the rest. Notice also the rapid rise in coin values as the condition or "grade" increases.

The above are wholesale values. Computed from dealers price lists with various markup factors figured in. They reflect closely the value you would expect to receive when selling. Variations in value do occur subject to subtle grading points, collector demands and dealer needs.

For additional reference... NumisMedia publishes an extensive fair market value price guide, covering retail Three Cent Nickel Values in detail.

Printable Coin Values Worksheet

Three Cent Nickel Values are Conditional

Dealers and collectors are very particular of the condition of any coin they are considering buying. To help accurately determine your thee cent nickel values, compare your coins to the images below and assign each a grade.

Here are a couple of points... a distinct rim separates a Very Good condition coin from the lower, less valuable, Good condition. Focus your attention on the hair over the forehead and the wreath on the reverse to distinguish between a three cent nickel in Fine or better condition.

Grading a coin is subjective, with everyone having a slightly different opinion of the same coin. Dealers, collectors and sellers, understandably seeing the coin differently. Fortunately there are services to help mediate.

PCGS and NGC are considered leaders in coin grading services. They both authenticate and grade your coin. Because the value increases dramatically as the condition improves. The small fee you pay provides assurance you understand and receive the full value of your coin.

To help to understand the value in coins and see the effects of proper grading in action, check a few rare coin dealers listings, looking for those offering three cent nickels for sale. The higher value coins usually include a notation of the NGC or PCGS assigned grade. Additionally, these coin dealers are potential buyers of your coins.

Three Cent Nickel Values - Why 13 is Better

The three cent nickel series had a short, twenty-five year production span. Twelve of those dates are relatively easy to find and considered common. Wholesale values range from $11 in Good condition to $75 in mint state "uncirculated" condition.

Leaving thirteen dates as "better" more rare and valuable coins of the series. Find any of these three cent nickels in your group of coins and you have discovered a coin worth at least $30 to $35. Hopefully the condition of your coin is nice enough to add to its appeal making the coin highly desirable. Now the value quickly escalates into the hundreds of dollars.

You may not have a passion for three cent nickels. But, you do have the beginnings of a coin collection. One successful approach is to sell all your coins and use the proceeds to purchase one nice appealing rare coin... the one you where hoping to find in the box. Pass the thrill of a rare and valuable coin on to your children.

Take a minute and visit Joel Rettew's web site FastCoin.com. They are serious buyers of US coins. Additionally, they have many fascinating rare coins for sale.

Three Cent Nickel Values are Never Constant

Change best describes coin values. And three cent nickel values are no exception. Realistically, they are not as popular as other series and may languish in the background somewhat. As a group they do rise in value from year to year, although slower than most other coins.

Keep in touch, return whenever curious and update your three cent nickel values.

The index page to discover values for Shield, Liberty, Buffalo, Jefferson and Three Cent Nickels. Match your coins to the grading images and value charts.

If you are looking for values of coins other than three cent nickels, start at the beginning, go to... Coin Values Discovery.