36
|
Three Cent Pieces
G
EM
C
AMEO
1868 N
ICKEL
T
HREE
C
ENTS
190
1868
.
NGC graded Proof 67 Cameo
. A fully white gem.
Only 600 minted. The limited number of Gem Proof survi-
vors above the Proof 65 level always excite bidders any
time one appears at auction. It behooves us to mention
that this coin’s unqualified technical superiority ranks it
near the top class, the coin's desirability is enhanced by
beautiful pristine nickel-bright luster and swirling mirrors.
We have mentioned the luster but could pen a few addi-
tional paragraphs if we chose to. In winding up this descrip-
tion, however, we can never neglect to mention it being a
strongly struck coin, with nice detail to all the important
high points. The devices were struck with such force and
energy by the specially made Proof dies that all design ele-
ments show boldly. Proofs, it should be stated, weren’t
struck on the Mint’s usual everyday coining presses used
for circulation strikes. The Proof department staff used
instead the slower, more powerful hydraulic medal press to
strike Proofs. This press gave the coin blanks a more even
“squeeze”, thereby impressing all design elements to their
fullest extent. Hence, the use of the term “razor-sharp” on
many Proof Three-scent nickels struck in the 1880s.
Pop
11; 1 finer in 67 Star
.
Estimated Value ........................................ $5,000 - 5,500
191
1874
.
PCGS graded Proof 66 Cameo.
CAC Approved
.
Another gorgeous Gem Cameo Proof from the same consignor
who gave us the 1866 PR65. Clearly this coin has been carefully
protected in the 140 years since it was made. Only 700 struck.
Pop 77; 1 finer in 66+
. (
PCGS # 83770
)
Estimated Value ................................................... $850 - 900
192
1875
.
NGC graded Proof 66+
. Only 700 minted. A fully
white gem. Eye-catching satin mirrors cascade from top to bot-
tom on the untoned beaming surfaces of this scarcer Three-
cent Nickel issue. Not only that, it is a boldly struck example
exhibiting fine detail to all the high points.
Pop 2; none finer
at NGC
.
Estimated Value ..............................................$2,000 - 2,200
193
1878
.
PCGS graded Proof 67 Cameo PQ.
CAC Approved
.
Popular Proof only date. Fully untoned and a gem. Only 2,350
minted.
Pop 21; 3 finer, 2 in 67+, 1 in 68
. (
PCGS #
83774
)
Historic account of this unusual denomination: The Civil War
placed great burdens on commerce, manufacturers, and also
the U.S. Mints. By March 1864, the Philadelphia Mint was run-
ning out of nickel for cent planchets, and its requirements were
so immense that even Joseph Wharton's newly opened Cana-
dian mines could not supply the want. During 1863, cent coin-
age had required over 32 tons of nickel for the 12% alloy
specified by law: a huge output for what was then a chemical
curiosity costly and difficult to extract from its ores.
Mint Director James Pollock, a bitter opponent of the use of
nickel for coinage, seized this opportunity to urge passage of a
bill to abolish nickel cents and authorize issue of minor coins
(1c, 2c, 3c) in French bronze. This bill became law April 22,
1864, over powerful opposition from Wharton's friends in Con-
gress--minus the reference to 3c pieces. (The latter would have
been the same size as the old large cents, but weighing 144
grains = 9.33 grams each; surviving patterns show them with
the 1844-57 cent head. Most likely, had they been authorized,
obsolete large cents would have been spent as 3c coins.) Yet
Pollock appears to have agreed with other Treasury people that
the 3c coin was a worthwhile denomination.
Estimated Value ..............................................$2,400 - 2,500
194
1878
.
PCGS graded Proof 66 Cameo PQ.
CAC Approved
.
Only 2,350 minted for this Proof only date.A simply exquisite
Gem Proof of this important, semi-key issue, the surfaces are
glistening with full, Proof textured luster. Mathematically exact
standards seen in the sharp centers, which is a hallmark of the
1878 Proof Three-cent Nickels (as well as the Proof Shield Nick-
els), making this date noteworthy since "average" detail on
other dates, even the Proofs, in the key high points, such as the
hair and the Roman numeral lines is often noted.
Pop 74; 30
finer, 6 in 66+, 21 in 67, 2 in 67+, 1 in 68
. (
PCGS #
83774
)
Estimated Value ..............................................$1,000 - 1,100
195
1879
.
PCGS graded MS-66 PQ
. A lovely frosty gem Unc. of a
low mintage year. Only 38,000 minted.
Pop 34; 10 finer in 67
.
(
PCGS # 3747
)
Estimated Value ..............................................$1,000 - 1,100
