1881 3CN (Proof)

Series: Liberty Head Three Cent Nickels 1865-1889

PCGS PR68

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PCGS PR68

PCGS #:: 3777

Designer:: James Barton Longacre

Edge:: Plain

Diameter:: 17.90 millimeters

Weight:: 1.94 grams

Mintage:: 3,575

Mint:: Philadelphia

Metal:: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel

Auction Record:: $7,475 • PR68 • 11-29-2006 • Heritage Auctions

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Rarity and Survival Estimates Learn More

Grades	Survival Estimate The Survival Estimate represents an average of one or more experts' opinions as to how many examples survive of a particular coin in three categories: 1) all grades, 2) 60 or better, and 3) 65 or better. These estimates are based on a variety of sources, including population reports, auction appearances, and personal knowledge. Survival estimates include coins that are raw, certified by PCGS, and certified by other grading services.	Numismatic Rarity Numismatic Rarity converts the Survival Estimate for a particular coin into a number from 1 to 10 (with decimal increments) based on the PCGS Rarity Scale. The higher the number, the more rare the coin.	Relative Rarity By Type Relative Rarity By Type ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Type. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.	Relative Rarity By Series Relative Rarity By Series ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Series. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.
All Grades	3,000	R-4.4	17 / 26 TIE	17 / 26 TIE
60 or Better	2,800	R-4.4	19 / 26 TIE	19 / 26 TIE
65 or Better	1,500	R-4.8	19 / 26 TIE	19 / 26 TIE

Survival Estimate
All Grades	3,000
60 or Better	2,800
65 or Better	1,500

Numismatic Rarity
All Grades	R-4.4
60 or Better	R-4.4
65 or Better	R-4.8

Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type
All Grades	17 / 26 TIE
60 or Better	19 / 26 TIE
65 or Better	19 / 26 TIE

Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series
All Grades	17 / 26 TIE
60 or Better	19 / 26 TIE
65 or Better	19 / 26 TIE

Condition Census What Is This?

Pos	Grade	Image	Pedigree and History
1	PR68 PCGS grade
1	PR68 PCGS grade
1	PR68 PCGS grade
4	PR67 PCGS grade
4	PR67 PCGS grade
4	PR67 PCGS grade
4	PR67 PCGS grade
4	PR67 PCGS grade
4	PR67 PCGS grade
4	PR67 PCGS grade

#1 PR68 PCGS grade

#4 PR67 PCGS grade

Ron Guth:

Proof 1881 Three-Cent Nickels are among the most plentiful of all U.S. Proof coins of the period. They are not always well-made and they are often confused with Prooflike circulation strikes, but there are still many, many nice examples from which collectors can choose. Literally hundreds of examples are known in PR64, PR65, and PR66. PR67 examples are far less common, but they can also be had at levels that can be considered good values. In PR68, the 1881 Three-Cent Nickel is an extreme condition-rarity and the few examples that survive in that grade are absolutely lovely.

Cameo Proof 1881 Three-Cent Nickels are approximately six times as rare as brilliant, non-Cameos. Deep Cameo Proofs are exceedingly rare, all of which are in high grade.