U.S. Three Cent Nickel (1865-1881) // Icons of American Coinage Series // Deluxe Display Box

The Three Cent Nickel is a vintage American coin minted from 1865 to 1889. Today, they are seldom seen but are cherished by coin collectors and enthusiasts of American history alike. Offered here is a pleasant example hand-selected by professional numismatists after screening thousands of coins for quality and eye-appeal. Each coin is housed in an airtight capsule and presented in a plush-lined box with display easel, magnetic lid, and certificate of authenticity. The coin is unconditionally guaranteed to be genuine, dated between 1865 and 1881, and will match the quality of the one shown.

Legislation for the three-cent nickel was passed on the morning of March 4th, 1865-- the last day of the 1864-65 congressional session. Abraham Lincoln signed the bill authorizing the new three-cent piece just minutes before being sworn in for his second term as President. Advocates for a new nickel coin were led by Pennsylvania industrialist Joseph Wharton, who then controlled the U.S. domestic supply of nickel ore. The coin was initially successful in circulation, at a time when a postage stamp cost 3 cents. Demand fell sharply only one year later, with the introduction of the nickel 5-cent piece in 1866. This larger coin was deemed more practical and better suited to the decimal system. Mintage figures of the 3-cent nickel slumped considerably after 1870 and was later produced only in proof versions for collectors, before being discontinued entirely in 1889.