3 Cents "Three Cent Nickel"
United States · 1865–1889 · Base Metal
Specifications
| Years | 1865–1889 |
| Denomination | 3 Cents |
| Composition | Copper-nickel (.750 copper, .250 nickel) |
| Gross weight | 1.94 g |
| Fineness | 75.0% base metal |
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
| Thickness | 1.15 mm |
| Edge | Plain |
| Shape | Round |
| Designer | James Barton Longacre |
| Type | Standard circulation coins |
Catalog data via Numista, where photos and mintage details are available.
Design
Obverse
Female portrait left, date below
Reverse
Roman numerals within wreath
About this coin’s value
This coin is composed of copper-nickel (.750 copper, .250 nickel) and weighs 1.94 g. It carries no precious-metal melt value, so its worth is numismatic — driven by date, mint mark, grade and demand. For copper-era cents, the metal itself can exceed face value — see the copper penny calculator and our copper penny guide.
More 3 Cents coins
- 3 Cents - Hard Times Merchant Token - Atwood's Railroad Hotel1835–1838
- 3 Cents - Hard Times Token - Feuchtwanger1837
- 3 Cents - Hard Times Token - Feuchtwanger1837
- 3 Cents - Hard Times Token - Feuchtwanger (Countermarked JMP)1837
- 3 Cents - Hard Times Token - Feuchtwanger (Defiant Eagle)1837
- 3 Cents "Trime" (type 1 - no lines bordering star)1851–1853
- 3 Cents "Trime" (type 2 - two lines bordering star)1854–1858
- 3 Cents - Frederik VII1859
Frequently asked questions
Is the 3 Cents "Three Cent Nickel" made of silver or gold?
No — the 3 Cents "Three Cent Nickel" is copper-nickel (.750 copper, .250 nickel), so it carries no precious-metal melt value. Its worth is numismatic: driven by date, mint mark, grade and collector demand.
What years was the 3 Cents "Three Cent Nickel" minted?
The 3 Cents "Three Cent Nickel" was issued 1865–1889.
Who designed the 3 Cents "Three Cent Nickel"?
The 3 Cents "Three Cent Nickel" was designed by James Barton Longacre.
How big is a 3 Cents "Three Cent Nickel"?
It weighs 1.94 g and measures 17.9 mm across and 1.15 mm thick (copper-nickel (.750 copper, .250 nickel)).
Educational reference, not an offer to buy or sell. Specifications are catalog data and may vary by variety; verify before any transaction.