The value of an 1881 three-cent nickel coin can vary depending on its condition (grade) and whether it’s a regular strike or a proof coin.
Here’s a breakdown based on the information provided:
- Circulated Condition:
– According to the NGC Price Guide (as of August 2025), a circulated 1881 three-cent nickel is worth between $15 and $110.
– Specific grades and values, based on NGC data:
– PrAg (About Good): $15
– G (Good): $20
– VG (Very Good): $25
– F (Fine): $30
– VF (Very Fine): $45
– XF (Extremely Fine): $55
– AU (Almost Uncirculated, various levels): $65 to $110
– Other sources provide slightly different values, [for example, APMEX lists an Extra Fine-40 coin at $70].
- Uncirculated Condition (Mint State – MS):
– Prices for uncirculated coins range from $12 to $4,500 depending on the specific grade.
– NGC indicates that pristine, uncirculated examples can sell for as much as $4,650.
– Specific grades and values based on NGC data:
– MS-60 : $130
– MS-61 : $140
– MS-62 : $160
– MS-63 : $235
– MS-64 : $370
– MS-65 : $600
– MS-66 : $1,325
– MS-67 : $4,650
– There are also different varieties of the 1881 coin, such as those with repunched dates, which can fetch higher prices. According to Greysheet, an 1881 3cN Repunched Date, FS-301 MS coin has a value range of $36.00 – $725.
- Proof coins are generally more valuable than business strikes because they were produced in limited quantities and were intended for collectors.
- Proof coins were struck throughout the entire production run of the three-cent nickel (1865-1889).
- According to Greysheet, the value range for an 1881 3cN PR (Proof) is $210.00 – $7,500.
- Higher quality Proofs (CAM for Cameo and DCAM for Deep Cameo) command significantly higher prices.
Please note: The values listed are approximate and can fluctuate based on market conditions, the specific grade assigned by a professional grading service (like PCGS or NGC), and any unique characteristics or errors present on the coin.
How much is my 3-cent coin worth?
3-Cent coin values can start at $20 and go up quickly from there depending on mint year, condition and other factors.
Are 3-cent coins rare?
Less than 5 million Type 2 three-cent pieces were made, and all were manufactured in Philadelphia. The rarest of the five dates is the low mintage 1855. Although some collectors assemble complete sets of the series, most of the demand for Type 2s, as with the earlier and later versions, comes from type collectors.
What is the key date for 3-cent silver?
Three Cent Silver Pieces are readily available, but do become scarce to rare in circulation strikes in the later years 1868 to 1872. Key date for Three Cent Silver is the 1855 and 1868 with both years being rare in circulation strike mint state grades.