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Olevian Numismatic Rarities

1866 Three Cent Nickel PCGS Certified MS65

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Product Description

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.

You will receive the unique coin shown in the photos housed in a plush-lined box with a certificate of authenticity.

Product Details
  • Measurements
    4.5"L x 4.5"W x 1.5"H
  • OriginUnited States

— Type: Three Cent Nickel (1865-1889)
— Designer: James Barton Longacre
— Weight: 1.94 grams
— Diameter: 17.9 mm
— Composition: 0.750 copper, 0.250 nickel
— Obverse Design: Lady Liberty with coronet and ribbon
— Obverse Inscription: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / LIBERTY / DATE
— Reverse Design: Laurel wreath
— Reverse Inscription: III

Please Note: You will receive the exact item(s) shown in the photos.

A Note About Coin Grading & Certification:
This is a certified coin and its quality and authenticity are guaranteed. The condition of a coin is officially graded on a 70-point scale according to standards set forth by the American Numismatic Association. Grades under 60 represent circulated grades, while grades from 60 through 70 represent uncirculated, or “mint-state” grades. Very few, if any, older coins are known to exist in perfect MS70 grade. Analogous to GIA certification for diamonds, independent expert certification services examine coins, certify authenticity, assign consensus grades, and encapsulate them in a sonically sealed, hard plastic holder with grade and unique serial number displayed. The two leading firms, Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), have become widely recognized for their objective grading practices and high industry standards. They continue to provide reliable consumer protection for rare coin collectors and investors and preserve the integrity of the rare coin industry. A third company, Certified Acceptance Corporation (CAC), also provides secondary verification of previously certified coins. A green oval sticker is applied to those specimens CAC believes meet their strict standards of quality for the certified grade. The coin offered for sale in this listing has been certified by one or more of these leading services so you can be confident in its authenticity and stated condition.

Shipping Information
  • Shipping Availability
    Canada, United States
  • Shipping Policy
    Standard Ground Shipping
  • Ship In
    3-4 weeks ⓘ
  • Return Policy
    Final sale, not eligible for return or cancellation
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