Price Guide for 1874 Three Cents Variants
This guide presents price ranges for 1874 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.
1874 3 Cents Nickel (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $11.00 - $160.00Uncirculated: $67.00 - $12,219.00
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eBayCirculated: $13.50 - $185.00Uncirculated: $138.00 - $3,175.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 - $185.00Uncirculated: $200.00 - $12,500.00
1874 3 Cents Nickel (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $173.00 - $920.00Uncirculated: $2.75 - $9,987.50
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eBayUncirculated: $230.47 - $898.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $300.00 - $6,500.00
1874 3 Cents Nickel, CAM (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $252.00 - $7,637.50
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eBayUncirculated: $439.00 - $1,499.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $450.00 - $9,000.00
1874 3 Cents Nickel, DCAM (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $998.75 - $7,475.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,750.00 - $12,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1874 Three Cents
The 1874 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 transition away from the paper fractional currency that had been in use. The Three Cent Nickel was designed to facilitate small purchases and was particularly useful for buying postage stamps, which cost three cents at the time.
| Weight | 1.94 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
| Mint Marks | Philadelphia (no mint mark) |
| Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel |
| Obverse Design | Liberty head facing left, wearing a coronet inscribed with 'LIBERTY', designed by James B. Longacre |
| Reverse Design | Roman numeral III within a wreath of olive branches, designed by James B. Longacre |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition is crucial for the 1874 Three Cent Nickel. Due to its composition and small size, many examples show wear or damage. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are highly sought after by collectors. The nickel content can lead to spotting or discoloration over time, making pristine examples particularly valuable.
Key areas to examine are Liberty's hair details and the wreath on the reverse. Full strike examples with sharp details command premium prices. The fields should be free from major marks or scratches for top grades.
Mintage: 790,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant for this year
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for well-preserved specimens
Toning can significantly impact the value of 1874 Three Cent Nickels. Natural, attractive toning is highly prized by collectors and can increase the coin's value. However, artificial toning or unattractive coloration can decrease value.
The 1874 issue has a relatively low mintage compared to some other years in the series, which adds to its collectibility. Proofs were also minted this year with a mintage of 1,000, and these are particularly valuable, especially in high grades with cameo or deep cameo contrast.
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