1865 US 3c Three Cent Nickel, Civil War Date

Description

NICKEL THREE CENTS
1865 3CN
Coin Specifications
Category:
Nickel Three Cents (1865-1889)
Mint:
Philadelphia
Mintage:
11,382,000
Obverse Designer:
James B. Longacre
Reverse Designer:
James B. Longacre
Composition:
Copper-Nickel
Weight:
1.9400g
Diameter:
17.9mm
Edge:
Plain
This coin debuted in 1865 as a replacement for the despised three-cent fractional currency notes, themselves replacements for the hoarded silver three-cent pieces. Due to the urgency of retiring the notes, minting of this coin was very heavy before year's end. 1865 is a common date in all grades short of gem Mint State.
The copper-nickel alloy was hard on dies, with the result that a great many 1865 pieces are seen with multiple die-clash impressions, die cracks and small cuds. The challenge to the collector will be to find an example which is free of such distractions.
With so many dies need for such a large production, both repunched dates and doubled-dies are numerous and highly collectable. The best of these are recognized.
Nice and original 1865 Three Cent Nickel
recently purchased from a large estate collection in which I bought the entirety of because of the originality and rarity of the coins which have not seen the light of day in over four decades! None of these coins have ever been sent to grading, and I refuse to mess with the grading services, so truth be told...Some of these coins are grand slams! No reserves and fast, free shipping as always!