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 worth $11 rising above $20 for a few dates.
Additionally, your three cent nickel values are likely higher because of the condition of your coin. 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 twelve to fifteen dollars or more. There is a "how to" section about the importance of "grading" thee cent nickels below.
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.
Three Cent Nickel Values | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Condition of Coin | ||||
| Date | Good - G | Fine - F | Extremely Fine XF |
Uncirculated |
| 1865 | $11 | $12 | $28 | $75 |
| 1866 | $11 | $13 | $28 | $68 |
| 1867 | $11 | $13 | $28 | $80 |
| 1868 | $11 | $12 | $28 | $74 |
| 1869 | $12 | $14 | $28 | $73 |
| 1870 | $12 | $15 | $28 | $89 |
| 1871 | $13 | $17 | $32 | $114 |
| 1872 | $13 | $17 | $31 | $107 |
| 1873 | $12 | $16 | $30 | $111 |
| 1874 | $13 | $16 | $29 | $102 |
| 1875 | $17 | $20 | $37 | $124 |
| 1876 | $23 | $26 | $46 | $127 |
| 1879 | $26 | $70 | $94 | $198 |
| 1880 | $81 | $105 | $139 | $230 |
| 1881 | $11 | $13 | $27 | $77 |
| 1882 | RARE | |||
| 1883 | RARE | |||
| 1884 | RARE | |||
| 1885 | RARE | |||
| 1887 | RARE | |||
| 1888 | $37 | $55 | $92 | $187 |
| 1889 | $58 | $119 | $159 | $211 |
| Three Cent Nickel Values Updated 2013 | ||||
The above are wholesale coin values. Computed from dealer's price lists with various mark-up 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 more background information, see how value listings in the Coin Value Guide are determined.
Print the handy Coin Values Worksheet to list your coins and record their values. Should you decide to sell... use the worksheet as an invoice and packing slip when sending coins through the mail to dealers. It indicates you have done your coin values homework.
Dealers and collectors are very particular of the condition of any coin they are considering buying. To help accurately determine your three 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.
Three cent nickel grading 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.
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 $65 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 $20 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.
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.
More 3 Cent Coin ValuesCoin Values Discovery... finds Three Cent Nickel Values and...
All old US coin values. The home page is an excellent index, quickly leading to the major coin series. From Cents to Gold.
Coin Images Courtesy
DavidLawrence.com
Selling Coins
Getting the Best Price
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