1870 Three-Cent Nickel — Philadelphia Mint

1870 Three-Cent Nickel — Philadelphia Mint

Own a distinctive piece of 19th-century American numismatic history with this 1870 Three-Cent Nickel, struck at the Philadelphia Mint during the Reconstruction era following the American Civil War.

The Three-Cent Nickel series was produced from 1865 through 1889 and represents one of the more unusual denominations in United States coinage history. Introduced near the end of the Civil War, the denomination helped provide an alternative to silver coins that had largely disappeared from everyday circulation during the conflict.

Designed by James B. Longacre, the Three-Cent Nickel features a classical portrait of Lady Liberty and a simple Roman numeral denomination.

The obverse displays a left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed LIBERTY. The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounds the portrait, with the date 1870 positioned beneath Liberty.

The reverse features the Roman numeral III, representing the coin's three-cent denomination, enclosed within a decorative wreath.

The 1870 Three-Cent Nickel was produced during the presidency of Ulysses S. Grant, when the United States was rebuilding its economy and monetary system following the Civil War.

With an original business-strike mintage of 1,335,000 coins, the 1870 issue represents an appealing example from the earlier years of the Three-Cent Nickel series.

Unlike the earlier Three-Cent Silver denomination, which was struck in silver, the Three-Cent Nickel was composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel. Its distinctive composition, unusual denomination, and compact design make it a recognizable collectible among enthusiasts of obsolete United States coinage.

Whether collected as part of a complete Three-Cent Nickel series, a classic United States type set, or a broader collection of 19th-century American coins, the 1870 Three-Cent Nickel offers a tangible connection to the nation's monetary history.

Product Details

• Denomination: Three Cents ($0.03 USD)

• Year: 1870

• Mint: Philadelphia (No Mint Mark)

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

• Original Mintage: 1,335,000 business strikes

• Composition: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel

• Weight: 1.94 grams

• Diameter: 17.9 mm

• Designer: James B. Longacre

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

• Reverse: Roman numeral III within a decorative wreath

• Edge: Plain

• Condition: See product photographs for the exact coin offered

• Quantity: One individual coin

Please Note: This listing is for one specific 1870 Three-Cent Nickel. The coin pictured is the exact coin you will receive.