Price Guide for 1884 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: $247.00 – $5,782.00Uncirculated: $978.00 – $42,300.00
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eBayCirculated: $960.18 – $6,655.55
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,000.00 – $6,750.00Uncirculated: $7,000.00 – $60,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $184.00 – $1,080.00Uncirculated: $1.15 – $9,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $256.00 – $950.00Uncirculated: $175.00 – $1,099.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $70.00 – $275.00Uncirculated: $300.00 – $6,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $288.00 – $9,400.00
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eBayUncirculated: $349.99 – $1,440.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $450.00 – $20,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,115.00 – $15,275.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4,500.00 – $20,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1884 Three Cents
The 1884 Three Cent Nickel was part of the Three Cent Nickel series, which was produced from 1865 to 1889. This coin was introduced after the Civil War to help facilitate small transactions as the country transitioned back to a peacetime economy. By 1884, the coin’s usefulness had diminished, and it was primarily struck for collectors rather than circulation.
| Weight | 1.94 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
| Mint Marks | None (Philadelphia only) |
| 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
The condition of the 1884 Three Cent Nickel has a significant impact on its value. Due to its low mintage and collector focus, many examples were carefully preserved. However, finding high-grade specimens can still be challenging.
For circulation strikes, coins in MS65 or higher are extremely rare and command substantial premiums. Proof issues are generally better preserved, but cameo and deep cameo contrasts are highly sought after and can significantly increase value.
Mintage: 1,700
Rarity Scale: Very Rare
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in high grades (MS65 and above) due to low mintage and collector handling
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to its key date status and low mintage
Mintage: 3,942
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in high grades (PR65 and above) due to handling and storage over time
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Strike quality is particularly important for this issue, as many were weakly struck. Well-struck examples with full details command higher premiums.
Original surfaces with attractive toning can also enhance value. For proofs, the presence of cameo or deep cameo contrast between the fields and devices can substantially increase desirability and value.
As a key date in the series, the 1884 Three Cent Nickel is highly collectible in all grades, but specimens in the highest grades of preservation are especially valuable due to their rarity.
