Numismatic

1865 3 Cent Nickel BU

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In 1865, the United States Mint introduced a distinctive three-cent coin struck in a copper-nickel alloy. This specimen survives in Brilliant Uncirculated condition, preserving the sharp details of a fascinating era in American numismatic history. Produced at the Philadelphia Mint, this coin represents the inaugural year for this specific non-precious metal design, which was created to help resolve coin shortages of the period. The obverse of the coin features a left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty. Her hair is styled neatly, secured by a coronet inscribed with her name, while the legend of the issuing nation surrounds her. Below the portrait, the date of 1865 is clearly struck. On the reverse, the coin displays its face value using bold Roman numerals. The numeral III is positioned prominently in the center, encircled by a stylized laurel wreath. This simple yet elegant combination of classical imagery and clear denomination makes the three-cent nickel a compelling piece of nineteenth-century design.