From 1865 to 1889, the United States Mint produced three-cent nickel coins that were widely circulated during that period. These coins were made of an alloy of copper and nickel, which are durable and resistant to wear and corrosion. The coins were small in size, with a diameter of 17.9 mm and a thickness of 1.27 mm, and weighed 1.94 grams. The obverse of the coins featured a left-facing image of Lady Liberty, while the reverse displayed the Roman numeral III encircled by a wreath. The designer of these coins was James B. Longacre, who served as the Chief Engraver of the US Mint from 1844 to 1869. Longacre was a highly skilled engraver who designed various coins and medals throughout his career, including the Indian Head cent and the two-cent piece.
- Designer: James B. Longacre
- Weight: 1.94 grams
- Composition: .250 Nickel, .750 copper.
- Diameter: 17.9 mm.
- Plain edge
- Coined at Philadelphia Mint.
eBay: 3 Cent Nickel
