Price Guide for 1866 Three Cents Variants
This guide presents price ranges for 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.
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $10.00 – $180.00Uncirculated: $51.00 – $18,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $6.50 – $216.75Uncirculated: $17.07 – $1,674.75
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $185.00Uncirculated: $200.00 – $17,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $219.00 – $376.00Uncirculated: $3.10 – $8,625.00
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eBayUncirculated: $224.72 – $8,350.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $300.00 – $7,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $265.00 – $1,880.00Uncirculated: $414.00 – $31,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $195.00 – $1,399.99Uncirculated: $3,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $800.00 – $1,600.00Uncirculated: $1,750.00 – $50,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $374.00Uncirculated: $5.25 – $24,150.00
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eBayCirculated: $982.99Uncirculated: $605.00 – $1,296.75
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $650.00 – $750.00Uncirculated: $800.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,120.00
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eBayCirculated: $7,463.00Uncirculated: $39.00 – $2,551.03
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $8,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $575.00 – $23,500.00
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eBayUncirculated: $900.00 – $2,415.30
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,000.00 – $27,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,093.00 – $17,625.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,500.00 – $22,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $60.00
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eBayCirculated: $51.00Uncirculated: $356.68
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $403.00 – $9,775.00
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eBayUncirculated: $950.00 – $1,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $600.00 – $7,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $978.00 – $24,675.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,428.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,000.00 – $20,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1866 Three Cents
The 1866 Three Cent Nickel was part of the Three Cent Nickel series, introduced in 1865 to replace the earlier silver three-cent piece. This coin was designed by James B. Longacre, the Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint at the time.
The Three Cent Nickel was created during a period of economic uncertainty following the Civil War, when silver coins were being hoarded. It was intended to provide a convenient denomination for small transactions and to help alleviate the shortage of small change in circulation.
| 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' |
| Reverse Design | Roman numeral III within a laurel wreath |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of an 1866 Three Cent Nickel significantly impacts its value. Circulation strikes in Uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are quite scarce and command substantial premiums. The quality of the strike is particularly important for this issue, as many examples show weakness in the design details.
Proof specimens are highly valued, especially those with deep cameo contrast between the fields and devices. The presence of original mint luster and absence of significant contact marks or scratches greatly enhance the coin’s desirability and value.
Mintage: 4,801,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant for this year
Market Demand: Moderate, popular with type set collectors
Mintage: 725
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades PR65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant for this year
Market Demand: High, due to low mintage and collector interest
Toning can play a role in the value of 1866 Three Cent Nickels. Natural, attractive toning can increase the coin’s appeal to collectors, particularly on proof specimens. However, unattractive or artificial toning can detract from the coin’s value.
The low mintage of proof coins makes them especially valuable, with well-preserved examples being highly sought after by collectors. Additionally, any mint errors or die varieties, though not commonly noted for this year, could significantly increase the coin’s value if discovered.
