Whitman Expo
Demand for early copper and Colonial-era numismatic treasures drives strong results in Heritage Auctions' July 13 Early Copper & Colonial U.S. Coins Showcase Auction
Thank you to our sponsors!
Go check them out!
The 1878 provides a massive jump in mintage for the Proof Three Cent Nickel Series with 2,350 pieces struck. Common up to PR66, which is scarce. Anything finer would be considered rare. Collectors should not fear as examples with stunning color and strong strike can be located with some effort. Cameos bring a small, gradual premium with an increase in rarity and demand coming from the deep cameos.
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:
2831
Designer:
James B. Longacre
Obverse Designer:
James B. Longacre
Obverse Lettering:
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 1878
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:
1878
Denomination:
3cN
Designation:
PR
Mint Location:
Philadelphia
Mintage:
2,350
Coinage Type:
Three cent nickel
Coinage Years:
1865-1889
Composition:
75% copper; 25% nickel
PCGS #:
93774
Subscribe to View
View more data, info, and visualizations. Get access to retail and wholesale pricing as well as auction data.
Coin Value History
1878 3cN PR DCAM
Value By Grade
1878 3cN PR DCAM
CPG (retail) values
Currency
Grade Range
Grading Authority
Sort by
Pricing
1878 3cN NGC Proof 66 UCAM
$2,400
1878 3CN PR67 Deep Cameo PCGS. CAC. ...
$12,925
1878 3CN PR66 Ultra Cameo NGC. ...
$2,100
1878 3CN PR67 Ultra Cameo NGC. CAC. ...
$5,581
1878 3CN PR66 Deep Cameo PCGS. CAC. ...
$5,640
1878 3CN PR67 Ultra Cameo NGC. The portrait has exceptional cameo frost, and the remainder of the devices and legends also ...
$6,325
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
Greysheet News
Early American Copper Coins Lead Heritage's July Showcase Auction to More Than $436,000
7/17/2026
Astonishing Discovery Proof 1824/1 Overdate Half Dollar in Scotsman Auction
First known proof example of Overton 101 variety surprisingly found in consignor's collection.
7/15/2026
Best of the Mint Program Kicks Off
In continuing celebration of the nation's 250th anniversary in 2026, the United States Mint will embark on a "Best of the Mint" program.
7/13/2026
Events
Midlands Coin Club Coin, Currency and Collectibles Show - SC
Location: Medallion Center
Friday, May 1, 2026
