1869 Three-Cent Nickel Piece — Philadelphia Mint
1869 Three-Cent Nickel Piece — Philadelphia Mint
Own a fascinating piece of 19th-century American numismatic history with this 1869 Three-Cent Nickel Piece, struck at the Philadelphia Mint during the Reconstruction era following the American Civil War.
First introduced in 1865, the Three-Cent Nickel was created to provide a practical small-denomination coin for everyday commerce. Unlike the earlier Three-Cent Silver Piece, the nickel version was struck from a copper-nickel alloy, making it more durable and economical to produce.
Designed by James B. Longacre, the obverse features a left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed LIBERTY. The portrait is surrounded by the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, with the date 1869 positioned beneath Liberty.
The reverse features the Roman numeral III, representing the coin's three-cent denomination, surrounded by an ornamental laurel wreath. This distinctive design remained in production throughout the Three-Cent Nickel series, which ran from 1865 through 1889.
The 1869 Three-Cent Nickel is an appealing collectible for its unusual denomination, classic Liberty portrait, and connection to the development of American minor coinage during the late 19th century.
Product Details
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Denomination: Three Cents ($0.03 USD)
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Year: 1869
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Mint: Philadelphia (No Mint Mark)
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Series: Three-Cent Nickel (1865–1889)
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Original Mintage: 1,604,000
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Composition: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel
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Weight: 1.94 grams
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Diameter: 17.9 mm
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Designer: James B. Longacre
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Obverse: Left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed LIBERTY
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Reverse: Roman numeral III surrounded by a laurel wreath
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Edge: Plain
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Condition: See product photographs for the exact coin offered
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Quantity: One individual coin
Please Note: This listing is for one specific 1869 Three-Cent Nickel Piece. The coin pictured is the exact coin you will receive.