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The 1888 Proof Three Cent Nickel is a fantastic type coin for its series because it is relatively affordable and has a higher mintage, at 4,582 coins. Common throughout all grades except the absolute finest gems. With effort, examples with eye catching color and notable strikes can be located. Cameos bring a minor, gradual premium with the increase in rarity and desirability 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:
2860
Designer:
James B. Longacre
Obverse Designer:
James B. Longacre
Obverse Lettering:
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 1888
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:
1888
Denomination:
3cN
Designation:
PR
Mint Location:
Philadelphia
Mintage:
4,582
Coinage Type:
Three cent nickel
Coinage Years:
1865-1889
Composition:
75% copper; 25% nickel
PCGS #:
83785
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Coin Value History
1888 3cN PR CAM
Value By Grade
1888 3cN PR CAM
CPG (retail) values
Currency
Grade Range
Grading Authority
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Pricing
Values
Greysheet & CPG® Values
| Grade | CAC | CPG Value (Retail) | Greysheet Price (Wholesale) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PR67 |
|
$1,650 | $1,234 |
| PR67 | - | $1,300 | $1,234 |
| PR66 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR66 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR65 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR65 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR64 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR64 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR63 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR63 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR62 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR62 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR61 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR61 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
1888 Nickel Three-Cent Piece. Proof-67 Cameo (PCGS). CAC.
$1,830
1888 3CN PR65 Cameo PCGS. CAC. PCGS Population: 91 in 65 Cameo, 112 finer. CAC: 19 in 65, 79 finer (11/25)....
$1,231
1888 Nickel Three-Cent Piece. Proof-64 Cameo (NGC). CAC.
$552
1888 3CN PR66 Cameo PCGS. CAC. CAC Population: (50/27). ...
$840
1888 Nickel Three-Cent Piece. Proof-63 Cameo (PCGS).
$408
1888 Nickel Three-Cent Piece. JD-1. Rarity-1. Proof-67 * Cameo (NGC).
$1,464
1888 Nickel Three-Cent Piece. Proof-65 Cameo (PCGS).
$720
1888 Nickel Three-Cent Piece. Proof-64 Cameo (PCGS).
$408
1888 3CN PR66 Cameo PCGS. CAC. PCGS Population: (75/21)....
$720
1888 PR 63 Cameo NGC. ...
$276
1888 3CN PR67+ Cameo NGC. NGC Census: (20/1 and 4/0+). ...
$1,440
1888 3CN PR65 Cameo NGC. NGC Census: (64/89). ...
$456
1888 Nickel Three-Cent Piece. Proof-64 Cameo (NGC).
$480
1888 3CN PR66 Cameo PCGS. CAC. PCGS Population: (74/21). NGC Census: (69/20). PR66. ...
$601
1888 3CN PR67 Cameo PCGS. CAC. CAC Population: (28/1). ...
$1,500
1888 3CN PR65 Cameo NGC. NGC Census: (64/89). ...
$432
1888 3CN PR64 Cameo NGC. CAC. NGC Census: (45/152). PCGS Population: (45/181). PR64. ...
$396
1888 Nickel Three-Cent Piece. Proof-66 Cameo (NGC).
$600
1888 Nickel Three-Cent Piece. Proof-67 Cameo (PCGS).
$1,200
1888 Nickel Three-Cent Piece. Proof-65 Cameo (NGC).
$504
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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Midlands Coin Club Coin, Currency and Collectibles Show - SC
Location: Medallion Center
Friday, May 1, 2026
