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The 1881 Proof Three Cent Nickel is a great type coin due to its relative affordability and higher mintage of 3,575 coins. Except for the finest gems, this coin is common throughout all grades. Beware, these poorly made proofs can be confused with business strike examples. Cameos bring a small premium with deep cameos being rare and coveted.
Obverse Description
A Romanesque Liberty is portrayed facing left with LIBERTY emblazoned on her crown. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA appears on the periphery with the date at the bottom.
Reverse Description
The roman numeral III is centered in the design surrounded by a large wreath tied with a bow at the bottom. This design is one of few American coins without wording on one of the sides.
Catalog Information
GSID:
2840
Designer:
James B. Longacre
Obverse Designer:
James B. Longacre
Obverse Lettering:
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 1881
Reverse Designer:
James B. Longacre
Reverse Lettering:
III
Weight (gr):
1.94 gr
Weight (oz):
0.0624 oz
Strike Type:
Proof
Diameter:
17.9
Coin Shape:
Round
Edge:
Plain
Coin Date:
1881
Denomination:
3cN
Designation:
PR
Mint Location:
Philadelphia
Mintage:
3,575
Coinage Type:
Three cent nickel
Coinage Years:
1865-1889
Composition:
75% copper; 25% nickel
PCGS #:
93777
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Coin Value History
1881 3cN PR DCAM
Value By Grade
1881 3cN PR DCAM
CPG (retail) values
Currency
Grade Range
Grading Authority
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Pricing
1881 3CN PR66+ Ultra Cameo NGC. NGC Census: (0/2 and 1/2+). ...
$1,560
1881 3CN PR65 Deep Cameo PCGS. CAC. CAC Population: (1/7)....
$1,380
1881 3CN PR67+ Ultra Cameo NGC. ...
$5,640
1881 3CN PR64 Ultra Cameo NGC. NGC Census: (1/5). PCGS Population (0/5). ...
$352
1881 Nickel Three-Cent Piece. Proof-66+ Ultra Cameo (NGC).
$1,200
1881 3CN PR65 Ultra Cameo NGC. ...
$940
1881 3CN PR67 Deep Cameo PCGS. CAC. ...
$6,034
1881 3CN, DC
$236
1881 3CN PR66 Ultra Cameo NGC. CAC. NGC Census: (1/3). PCGS Population: (5/2). PR66. ...
$1,200
1881 3CN PR65 Deep Cameo PCGS. ...
$2,530
1881 3CN PR67 Ultra Cameo NGC. CAC. ...
$3,480
1881 3CN PR66 Deep Cameo PCGS. CAC. ...
$1,320
1881 3CN PR65 Deep Cameo NGC. NGC Census: (1/2). PCGS Population (2/1). (#93777)...
$1,380
1881 3CN PR67 Deep Cameo PCGS. CAC. ...
$6,000
3CN 1881 PCGS PR66+ DCAM CAC
$3,290
1881 3CN PR67 Deep Cameo PCGS. CAC. ...
$11,162
1881 3CN PR66 Ultra Cameo NGC. ...
$1,080
1881 3CN PR67 Deep Cameo PCGS. ...
$10,575
3CN 1881 PCGS PR66 DCAM CAC
$3,055
3CN 1881 PCGS PR66 DCAM CAC
$1,900
3-Cent Nickel 3cN 1865-1889 PR [Type]
Worth: $165 – $4,500
1865 3cN PR
Worth: $600 – $7,500
1866 3cN PR
Worth: $165 – $5,400
1867 3cN PR
Worth: $165 – $4,080
1868 3cN PR
Worth: $165 – $3,360
1869 3cN PR
Worth: $231 – $3,900
1870 3cN PR
Worth: $165 – $4,200
1871 3cN PR
Worth: $165 – $2,700
1872 3cN PR
Worth: $165 – $3,600
1873 3cN Closed 3 PR
Worth: $165 – $4,200
1874 3cN PR
Worth: $165 – $3,900
1875 3cN PR
Worth: $165 – $932
1876 3cN PR
Worth: $165 – $4,080
1877 3cN PR
Worth: $860 – $3,600
1878 3cN PR
Worth: $480 – $8,400
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Events
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Location: Medallion Center
Friday, May 1, 2026
