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Sample Photo: not representative of the coin or grade of coin being sold.
Sample Photo: not representative of the coin or grade of coin being sold.
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Silver shortages during the Civil War lead to the widespread hoarding of coins. To put more coins into circulation, the mint introduced the Nickel Three-Cent Piece in 1865. Chief Mint Engraver, James B. Longacre's design features Liberty wearing a coronet with her hair tied up in a bun on the obverse. The legend 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' appears around the edge of the coin, and the date appears below Liberty's head. On the reverse, the Roman number III is surrounded by a wreath.
Despite being called Nickel Three-Cent Pieces, the composition was 75% copper and only 25% nickel. Even a low percentage of nickel made the coin appear as if it were pure nickel. The first year of mintage for nickel three-cent pieces was high, over 11 million of the coins were produced. Demand for the nickel three-cent piece fell quickly, due in part to the popularity of the Nickel Five-Cent Piece. The coin was gradually minted in lower numbers until 1889 when the coin was discontinued.
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Red Book of U.S. Coins
