1865 United States Three-Cent Nickel Coin
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint, Philadelphia (No mint mark)
Pattern: Three-Cent Nickel (Lady Liberty Hair Design)
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint, Philadelphia (No mint mark)
Material
Cupro-Nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel). Note: Contains no silver despite the metallic appearance.
Dimensions
Diameter: 17.9 mm, Weight: 1.94 grams (standard specifications).
Description
A first-year-of-issue US Three-Cent Nickel coin. This piece was introduced as a practical alternative to the 'trime' (silver 3-cent piece) which had been hoarded during the Civil War. It features a bold, classical portrait of Liberty designed by James B. Longacre. While it appears silver in tone, it is actually a copper-nickel alloy.
Key Features
1865 first-year date, Cupro-Nickel composition, James B. Longacre design, Roman numeral denomination.
Material & Composition
Cupro-Nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel). Note: Contains no silver despite the metallic appearance.
Finish & Decoration
Business strike, die-struck relief. Features the head of Liberty facing left, wearing a coronet with 'LIBERTY' and a hair ribbon, surrounded by 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and the date 1865. Reverse (not shown) features a Roman numeral 'III' within a laurel wreath.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No silversmith hallmarks; features standard US Mint die stamps for the year 1865 and the national legend.
Construction Details
Die-struck at the Philadelphia Mint using heavy-duty steam-powered coining presses. Plain edge.
Functional Features
Monetary currency for small-change transactions; designed to replace fractional currency notes and failed silver coinage of the era.
Handle & Grip Details
None (not applicable for coinage).
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial die-striking. Longacre's design is known for its shallow relief which allowed the hard nickel alloy to be struck more effectively.
Authentication Indicators
Weight and diameter match US Mint specifications; die-work shows correct 13-denticle spacing near the date; wear patterns are consistent with authentic 19th-century circulation.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States: Philadelphia Mint. Produced during the primary era of the branch-less main mint.
Era & Period
Civil War/Reconstruction Era (1865); Neoclassical design influence common in 19th-century American numismatics.
Age Estimate
Dated 1865 (first year of issue for this series).
Cultural Significance
Represents the US government's attempt to stabilize the economy post-Civil War by providing durable, non-precious metal coinage for everyday commerce.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition (Very Good to Fine range). Visible wear on the hair details and coronet. Light surface tarnish and minor environmental debris. No major rim dings visible. Overall Grade: Good/Very Good.
Value Estimate
$15 - $25 USD depending on specific grade; uncirculated examples can reach $100+.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish with silver chemicals; cleaning numismatic items removes 'patina' and significantly reduces collector value. Store in an acid-free PVC-free flip.
Similar Pieces
1865 Silver Three-Cent Piece (Trime): smaller and contains 90% silver. 1866 Shield Nickel: similar metal composition but 5-cent denomination.
Interesting Facts
Despite its silver appearance, this coin was created specifically because silver was too expensive to circulate during the Civil War. It was nicknamed the 'nickel' before the 5-cent piece took over that moniker.