Description

The copper-nickel three-cent piece, often called a three-cent nickel piece or three-cent nickel, was designed by US Mint Chief Engraver James B. Longacre and struck by the United States Bureau of the Mint from 1865 to 1889. The predominant metal in the coin was actually copper, but because the color was more whitish than brown, "nickel" was considered a better descriptor. These were minted side-by-side with the silver versions until 1873, when the silver type was discontinued. The nickel versions were minted until 1889, when the entire denomination was discontinued.

Several of the Nickel Three Cents were struck only as Proofs (1877, 1878, and 1886); other dates (such as 1884 and 1885) are represented by very few circulation strikes. Interesting varieties include: 1873 Open and Closed 3, 1887/6 Overdate.