1865 Three-Cent Nickel — First-Year Issue

1865 Three-Cent Nickel — First-Year Issue

Own a fascinating piece of American numismatic history with this 1865 Three-Cent Nickel, the inaugural issue of a distinctive denomination introduced during the final year of the American Civil War.

The Three-Cent Nickel was first produced in 1865 as the United States sought to restore convenient small-denomination coinage to everyday commerce. During the Civil War, gold and silver coins had largely disappeared from circulation, creating a need for practical alternatives made from base metals.

Designed by James B. Longacre, the Three-Cent Nickel featured an entirely different appearance and composition from the earlier Three-Cent Silver Piece. Its introduction marked an important development in the transition toward nickel-based circulating coinage.

The obverse features a left-facing portrait of Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed LIBERTY. The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounds the portrait, with the date 1865 positioned beneath.

The reverse displays the Roman numeral III, representing the coin's three-cent denomination, surrounded by a decorative laurel wreath.

The 1865 Three-Cent Nickel is the first-year issue of the series and was produced in substantial quantities to help meet the nation's demand for small change. Its Civil War-era origins and unusual denomination make it an appealing addition to collections of historic American coins.

Unlike the Three-Cent Silver Piece, the Three-Cent Nickel contains no precious metal. It was struck from an alloy of 75% copper and 25% nickel, giving the coin its distinctive appearance and greater durability.

Whether collected as part of a complete Three-Cent Nickel set, an obsolete denomination collection, or a broader United States type set, this 1865 issue represents an important chapter in American monetary history.

Product Details

• Denomination: Three Cents ($0.03 USD)

• Year: 1865

• Mint: Philadelphia (No Mint Mark)

• Series: Three-Cent Nickel (1865–1889)

• Issue: First Year of Production

• Original Mintage: 11,382,000 business strikes

• Composition: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel

• Weight: 1.94 grams

• Diameter: 17.9 mm

• Designer: James B. Longacre

• Obverse: Left-facing Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed LIBERTY

• Reverse: Roman numeral III surrounded by a laurel wreath

• Edge: Plain

• Condition: See product photographs for the exact coin offered

• Quantity: One individual coin

Please Note: This listing is for one specific 1865 Three-Cent Nickel. The coin pictured is the exact coin you will receive.