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The 1881 Proof Three Cent Nickel is a great type coin due to its relative affordability and higher mintage of 3,575 coins. Except for the finest gems, this coin is common throughout all grades. Beware, these poorly made proofs can be confused with business strike examples. Cameos bring a small premium with deep cameos being rare and coveted.
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:
2839
Designer:
James B. Longacre
Obverse Designer:
James B. Longacre
Obverse Lettering:
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 1881
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:
1881
Denomination:
3cN
Designation:
PR
Mint Location:
Philadelphia
Mintage:
3,575
Coinage Type:
Three cent nickel
Coinage Years:
1865-1889
Composition:
75% copper; 25% nickel
PCGS #:
83777
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Coin Value History
1881 3cN PR CAM
Value By Grade
1881 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PR68 |
|
$14,500 | $1,234 |
| PR68 | - | $12,000 | $1,234 |
| PR67 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR67 | - | $1,234 | $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 |
3-Cent Nickel 3cN 1865-1889 PR [Type]
![3-Cent Nickel 3cN 1865-1889 PR [Type]](https://images.greysheet.com/ctc/catalog/18673cn.jpg?MaxWidth=200&Mode=Pad&Scale=UpscaleCanvas&format=webp)
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
1881 3CN PR66 Cameo NGC. NGC Census: 66 in 66 Cameo (4 in 66+, 5 in 66?), 63 finer (4/26). ...
$732
1881 3CN PR65 Cameo NGC. NGC Census: 38 in 65 Cameo (1 in 65+), 128 finer (1/26). ...
$702
1881 3CN PR64 Cameo PCGS. PCGS Population: (23/154). ...
$384
1881 3CN PR67 Cameo NGC. NGC Census: (40/10). ...
$870
1881 3CN PR68 Cameo NGC. ...
$3,000
1881 3CN PR63 Cameo NGC. NGC Census: (0/84). PCGS Population (1/95). (#83777)...
$345
1881 Nickel Three-Cent Piece. Proof-66 Cameo (NGC).
$750
1881 3CN PR65 Cameo PCGS. CAC. CAC Population: (16/70). ...
$528
1881 3CN PR64 Cameo NGC. NGC Census: (18/137). PCGS Population: (22/154). PR64. ...
$336
1881 Nickel Three-Cent Piece. Proof-67 Cameo (NGC). CAC.
$1,170
1881 3CN PR68 Cameo NGC. ...
$3,000
1881 3CN PR66 Cameo PCGS. CAC. Ex: Indiana Collection. PCGS Population: (59/46). NGC Census: (54/50). PR66....
$630
1881 3CN PR65 Cameo NGC. NGC Census: (36/104). ...
$409
1881 3CN PR64 Cameo NGC. NGC Census: (16/127). PCGS Population: (20/146). PR64. ...
$241
1881 3CN PR67 Cameo PCGS. CAC. PCGS Population: (41/5). NGC Census: (38/10). PR67. ...
$1,140
1881 3CN PR68 Cameo NGC. ...
$3,360
1881 3CN PR66 Cameo PCGS. CAC. PCGS Population: (58/46). NGC Census: (55/48). PR66. ...
$630
1881 3CN PR65 Cameo PCGS. PCGS Population: (49/105). ...
$432
1881 Nickel Three-Cent Piece. Proof-64 Cameo (PCGS).
$352
3CN 1881 PCGS PR67+ CAM
$2,291
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