Price Guide for 1889 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: $66.00 – $426.00Uncirculated: $207.00 – $8,194.00
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eBayCirculated: $20.50 – $359.99Uncirculated: $256.34 – $1,999.95
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $125.00 – $385.00Uncirculated: $400.00 – $7,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $138.00 – $168.00Uncirculated: $1.25 – $10,350.00
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eBayCirculated: $191.55 – $319.00Uncirculated: $132.50 – $1,375.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $100.00 – $275.00Uncirculated: $300.00 – $7,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $312.00 – $3,525.00
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eBayUncirculated: $430.59 – $1,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $450.00 – $13,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1889 Three Cents
The 1889 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 alleviate the shortage of small change and to replace the silver three-cent piece. The 1889 issue marks the final year of production for this denomination, making it significant to collectors.
| Weight | 1.94 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 17.9 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (Philadelphia) |
| 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 branches, designed by James B. Longacre |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in determining the value of the 1889 Three Cent Nickel. Uncirculated examples are particularly desirable, with premium prices for coins grading MS65 or higher. For proof issues, cameo and deep cameo contrast can significantly increase value.
Look for strong strike details on Liberty’s hair and the wreath on the reverse. Luster quality is important for circulation strikes, while mirror-like fields are prized in proofs. Minimal contact marks and attractive, original toning can further enhance desirability and value.
Mintage: 21,561
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to its status as the final year of issue
Mintage: 3,436
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades PR65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to low mintage and final year status
As the final year of issue, the 1889 Three Cent Nickel holds special appeal for collectors trying to complete a set. The low mintage for both circulation strikes and proofs adds to its scarcity and value.
Historical significance as the end of a denomination contributes to its collectibility. Type set collectors often seek high-grade examples of this issue to represent the series.
The unusual denomination and its relatively short production run (1865-1889) make it an interesting piece for numismatic study and collection.
