Price Guide for 1876 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: $32.00 – $616.88Uncirculated: $98.00 – $6,900.00
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eBayCirculated: $41.00 – $583.00Uncirculated: $123.87 – $649.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $35.00 – $325.00Uncirculated: $350.00 – $5,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3.20 – $5,405.00
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eBayCirculated: $330.00 – $369.00Uncirculated: $212.51 – $1,251.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $200.00 – $275.00Uncirculated: $300.00 – $7,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $288.00 – $14,950.00
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eBayUncirculated: $275.00 – $1,100.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $450.00 – $6,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,075.00 – $10,350.00
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eBayUncirculated: $3,995.95
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,000.00 – $8,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1876 Three Cents
The 1876 Three Cent Nickel was minted during America’s centennial year. This coin, introduced in 1865, was part of a series designed to replace the silver three-cent piece. It played a crucial role in post-Civil War commerce, especially for purchasing postage stamps.
The year 1876 saw relatively low mintage numbers for this denomination, as the coin’s utility was declining due to changing economic conditions and postal rates.
| 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, designed by James B. Longacre |
| Reverse Design | Roman numeral III within a wreath of olive leaves, designed by James B. Longacre |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition is crucial for the 1876 Three Cent Nickel. Due to its low mintage and age, high-grade examples are particularly valuable. Coins in Mint State condition, especially those grading MS65 or higher, are extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors.
Key factors affecting condition include strike quality, luster, and the presence of contact marks. The coin’s small size made it prone to wear, so examples with sharp details and minimal wear command significant premiums.
Mintage: 162,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant known
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
The 1876 date adds historical significance due to its connection to the U.S. centennial, potentially increasing collector interest. The low mintage for this year makes it a key date in the series, further enhancing its value.
Toning can significantly impact value, with attractively toned specimens often commanding premiums. However, any signs of cleaning or environmental damage can severely decrease the coin’s worth.
As part of a short-lived series (1865-1889), this coin holds special appeal for type set collectors, potentially driving up demand for high-quality examples.
