Price Guide for 1871 Three Cents Variants
This guide presents price ranges for 1871 Three Cents variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
1871 3 Cents Nickel (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $16.00 - $306.00Uncirculated: $81.00 - $14,100.00
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eBayCirculated: $12.34 - $224.00Uncirculated: $155.00 - $1,430.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 - $250.00Uncirculated: $275.00 - $15,000.00
1871 3 Cents Nickel (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2.55 - $8,225.00
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eBayCirculated: $150.50Uncirculated: $162.61 - $1,730.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $200.00 - $275.00Uncirculated: $300.00 - $11,000.00
1871 3 Cents, CAM (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $489.00 - $9,987.50
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eBayUncirculated: $721.00 - $1,276.22
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,100.00 - $40,000.00
1871 3 Cents, DCAM (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $9,200.00 - $9,988.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $15,000.00
1871 3 Cents Nickel, CAM (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $322.00 - $17,625.00
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eBayUncirculated: $559.99 - $926.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $450.00 - $18,500.00
1871 3 Cents Nickel, DCAM (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,935.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $22,500.00
1871 3 Cents (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $184.00 - $1,997.50Uncirculated: $431.00 - $15,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $65.00 - $925.00Uncirculated: $150.00 - $2,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $800.00 - $1,275.00Uncirculated: $1,300.00 - $30,000.00
1871 3 Cents (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $201.00 - $2,750.00Uncirculated: $2.60 - $14,100.00
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eBayCirculated: $466.00 - $725.00Uncirculated: $411.20 - $3,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $650.00 - $750.00Uncirculated: $800.00 - $45,000.00
1871 3 Cents Nickel TDO FS-101 (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $264.00 - $444.00
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eBayCirculated: $41.00 - $2,350.00Uncirculated: $450.00
1871 3 Cents, PL (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1871 Three Cents
The 1871 Three Cent Nickel was part of the Three Cent Nickel series, which was produced from 1865 to 1889. This coin was introduced after the Civil War to help facilitate the redemption of fractional currency and to provide a convenient denomination for small transactions.
The Three Cent Nickel was designed to circulate alongside the silver three-cent piece, which had been minted since 1851 but was becoming less popular due to the rising price of silver. The nickel composition made it more durable and less prone to hoarding than its silver counterpart.
| Weight | 1.94 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
| Mint Marks | Philadelphia (no mint mark) |
| Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel |
| Obverse Design | Liberty head facing right, wearing a coronet inscribed with 'LIBERTY', designed by James B. Longacre |
| Reverse Design | Roman numeral III within an ornate C-shaped design, designed by James B. Longacre |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of the 1871 Three Cent Nickel significantly impacts its value. Due to its relatively low mintage and age, high-grade specimens are particularly valuable. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are scarce, with those in MS65 or better being quite rare.
Key factors affecting condition include:
- Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full detail are more desirable.
- Luster: Original mint luster adds significant premium.
- Surface preservation: Absence of marks, scratches, or wear is crucial for higher grades.
Mintage: 604,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above, with few surviving in gem condition
Varieties Errors: None significant for this year
Market Demand: Moderate, with increased interest from Three Cent Nickel series collectors
Toning can play a role in the desirability of the 1871 Three Cent Nickel. Coins with attractive, natural toning may command a premium among collectors. However, original, untoned specimens with full mint luster are also highly sought after.
The relative scarcity of the 1871 issue compared to some other years in the series adds to its appeal. While not considered a key date, it is a better date within the Three Cent Nickel series, which can increase demand and value.
As with many 19th-century coins, provenance can also impact value. Coins with a documented history of ownership, especially if linked to notable collections, may command higher prices at auction.
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